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Colonel P. Stearns Davis 



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THE 

THIRTY-NINTH 

REGIMENT 

MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS 
1862-1865 



By ALFRED S. ROE 

A VETERAN OF THE CIVIL WAR 



Regimental Co?nmiitee on History 

JOHN H. DUSSEAULT, Chairman J. FRED. LESLIE, Secretary 

GEO. P. MOSES, Treasurer JOHN F. LOCKE 

WM. P. BROWN* MILTON F. ROBERTS 

CHANNING WHITTAKER* 

♦deceased > 



Published by the 
REGIMENTAL VETERAN ASSOCIATION 

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSET'^ S 
1914 






M/ 



Copyright, 1914, by 

Thirty-Ninth Regiment 

Veteran Association 



M22\m 



THE COMMONWEALTH PRESS 
WORCESTER, MASS. 



CI,A3G228 5 
/ 



^ 



PREFACE 

More than fifty years after the organization of the 
Thirty-ninth Regiment and its departure for the seat of 
war, its printed history makes its appearance. The long 
delay has not arisen from any lack of desire for its prep- 
aration, nor on account of want of material. For many 
long years it was supposed that the recital was in prepara- 
tion, but the comrade to whom the task was intrusted 
went away into the other world before its completion, 
and survivors of the Regiment began to wonder if their 
story of long marches, fierce fighting and unspeakable 
suffering in Rebel prisons ever would be told. At the 
annual reunion of the Veteran Association in 1911 it was 
voted to proceed with the long cherished proposition, and 
a committee was appointed to carry out the proposal; 
after two years and a half the survivors of that committee 
present this volume to the patient waiters among the living 
veterans and to the families and descendants of those 
who have made the final crossing. 

Readers of the book should bear in mind that it is very 
far from being a history of the war, nor does it discuss 
campaigns and battles in their entirety; on the contrary 
every effort has been made to describe the part borne by 
the Regiment in said campaigns and engagements. Long 
shelves in the large libraries of the country are already 
laden with great volumes descriptive of the War of the 
Rebellion as a whole and of detached portions thereof; 
as many more have been written of eminent individual 
experience, like the recollections of Grant, Sherman, 
Sheridan on the Union side and of Beauregard, Johnston 
and Longstreet among the Confederates, but the story of 
the great struggle will not be fully told until that of every 
regiment finds its way into print. Regimental histories 



2 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

occupy a golden mean between the comprehensiveness of the 
general history and the minuteness of individual records. 

Massachusetts veterans can not be too grateful that 
the Commonwealth in its wisdom, a number of years ago, 
offered to assist in the preparation and publication of 
regimental histories by the purchase of five hundred copies 
of the same, under certain conditions of size and contents. 
In this manner and otherwise, more than one-half of the 
organizations of the Bay State which participated in the 
effort to maintain the Union have been written and it is 
hoped that the generosity of the Commonwealth and the 
courage of the veterans will continue until every regiment, 
battery and battalion will have been adequately described. 
While those who made the history are rapidly passing 
over the divide 'twixt life and death, and personal recol- 
lections are more difficult to obtain, yet their stories are 
not written so much, at this late date, from word of mouth 
as from letters, diaries and jottings made at the time and 
now are carefully preserved either by the writers or those 
to whom they have passed as precious legacies. 

A history like this of the Thirty-ninth represents many 
letters written to veterans or to their surviving families 
in the eft'ort to secure for transcription whatever note the 
soldier may have made in camp, field or prison-pen, bear- 
ing on the period in which the writer wore the blue. In 
several cases, through fear of losing the precious docu- 
ments, friends of deceased soldiers have declined to lend 
them for use; of course it is too late to secure them for 
utility In this instance but, for the sake of other efforts in 
this direction, let us hope that those people possessing any 
written observations on the trying times of 1861-'65 
will freely proffer their employment by those Interested 
In their permanent preservation. It Is a lamentable fact 
that many papers prepared under the fire of the enemy or, at 
least, In that indefinite region known as the "Front," have 
disappeared through the extra diligence of careful house- 
keepers and the general dislike of "old things lying 'round." 

While many months in the earlier portions of the service 



Preface 3 

of the Thirty-ninth were devoted to drill and thorough 
preparation, including a prolonged stay in the city of 
Washington, yet the call to the field, soon after Gettysburg, 
was so obeyed that before the seal of Appomattox was . 
set upon the fate of the Confederacy, Colonel Davis' men 
had proved beyond any chance for cavil that they were 
of the same stuff that had rallied so readily at Concord 
and Lexington; had bled in the streets of Baltimore and, 
on the decks of the Constitution and the Monitor, had 
shown the world what was meant by resistance to tyranny. 
Its first officer was killed at the front; the third mortally 
wounded, and the second so severely injured that his life 
was long despaired of and seemingly was saved as by a 
miracle. At the Weldon R. R., on the 19th of August, 
1864, so completely was the Regiment swept off the field, 
through no fault of its own, its organization was nearly 
lost, and the deaths in the prisons of the South of these 
victims exceeded those of all other Massachusetts Infantry 
Regiments with a single exception. 

In seeking printed data for condensation in this narra- 
tive the committee was rewarded in finding in the Fourth 
Volume of the Printed Papers of the Massachusetts 
Military Histor'cal Society a very clear and interesting 
description of the "Operations of the Army of the Poto- 
mac, May 7-11, 1864" by Brevet Brigadier-General Charles 
Lawrence Peirson, the , universally loved and respected 
Colonel of the Thirty-ninth, and from his observations 
liberal abstracts have been made for the edification of 
readers of this history. In the same volume also are 
found papers by Captain Charles H. Porter, Companies 
D and A of the Regiment, and always so active in the 
councils of the Veteran Association, who discusses the 
"Opening of the Campaign of 1864" and the "Battle 
of Cold Harbor," valuable in considering the parts taken 
in those incidents by the Regiment in which he served. 
Access also has been had to typewritten papers on the 
part borne by the Fifth Corps in the last three days of 
March, '65, and "The Fifth Corps at Five Forks" also 



4 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

prepared by Captain Porter and which have proved of 
great utility in this compilation. 

Naturally, the papers of General Peirson and Captain 
Porter are of a general character, somewhat removed from 
the individual, but quite the reverse is found in the well 
preserved accounts of company experience as presented 
in contributions to the Woburn Journal by Albert P. 
Barrett of Co. K, to the Medford Mercury by John S. 
Beck of '*C" and in the monograph of Lieut, John H. 
Dusseault of Company E. Unfortunately, the spirited 
story, as told by the Woburn scribe, goes no further than 
the Mine Run campaign, leaving the reader longing for a 
continuation of his glowing recital; Diarist Beck returns 
his comrades, those who survived, to their home-town, 
while the Somerville chronicler, whose observations are 
clear and instructive up to the date of his wound and 
consequent invalidism is compelled to end his direct 
comments on that direful August day of '64 at the Weldon 
R. R. However, whether general or specific, extended or 
condensed, the readers of the history owe much to the 
careful annalist of those trying days of the early sixties. 

Thanks are due the survivors who by their answers to 
circular letters rendered possible the exceedingly full 
roster, wherein are found the individual records whence 
must be drawn in coming years the facts for those seeking 
admission to patriotic organizations on the strength of 
ancestral service in preserving the Union. It is a source 
of regret that data could not be obtained for extending 
the descriptive list of every name in the Regiment. Espe- 
cially are thanks due to General Peirson for his unflagging 
interest in the work of preparation and for his generosity 
in helping on the undertaking. The committee repre- 
senting the Veteran Association is entitled to the thanks 
of all concerned for its careful attention to details, for the 
time given to rehearsals of the story as it progressed and 
for its unfailing willingness and promptness in assisting 
in every possible manner. At the same time it is impos- 
sible to suppress the regrets that inevitably rise over the 



Preface 5 

seemingly untimely deaths of comrades Brown and 
Whittaker. Possibly no one had been more prominent 
than the first named in laying out the work and securing 
data for the story, but he was called away in the very 
midst of the preparation; Comrade Whittaker entered 
into the scheme with all the zeal and ardor so character- 
istic of his intense nature, and died, as it were, pen in 
hand, inditing the story of the terrible opening of The 
Battle Summer as he remembered it. 

Thanks also should be rendered to the Brothers Mentzer 
and Mitchell of "A" for anecdotes and incidents; to Geo. 
V. Shedd and Edward H. Lewis of " B " for the use of their 
diaries; to the family of the late John S. Beck of ''C" for 
the loan of his well preserved diary, and to M. F, Roberts 
for other Company C facts; to the widow of Captain C. 
H. Porter, "D" and "A," for the use of his scrapbook, 
manuscripts and other data; to Lieut. J. H. Dusseault, 
"E," for his accurate and interesting account of the 
Somerville Company; to the family of John E. Horton 
for his painstaking diary; and to Ex-mayor Edward 
Glines, Somerville, for the use of the carefully kept diary 
of his brother Frederick A.; to Lieut. Jas. E. Seaver, 
secretary of the Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton, 
for valuable data concerning Company F, its officers and 
men; to Lieut. Chas. H. Chapman and Sergt. J. H. Prouty, 
"G," for facts concerning that company; to George Monk, 
"H," for his brother Robert's diary; to Lieut. H. F. Felch, 
W. H. Garfield and the Hon. H. C. Mulligan, son of Lieut. 
Simon Mulligan, for facts pertaining to Company I; and 
to the family of A. P. Barrett, "K," for the scrapbook 
having his letters to the Woburn Journal ; George E. Fowle, 
Abijah Thompson and Capt. E. F. Wyer (Fifth M. V. M.) 
for Company K data and incidents; to all those whose 
journals and recollections rendered possible the unexcelled 
accounts of prison experiences. Finally, all concerned 
unite in thanks to the ever efficient and courteous corps 
of officers and assistants in the office of the adjutant-general 
at the State House for favors there extended. 

Worcester, December, 1913 ALFRED S. ROE. 



BATTLES IN WHICH THE THIRTY-NINTH 
BORE A PART 

1863 

Mine Run, November 28 

1864 

Wilderness, May 5-7 

Spottsylvania (Alsop's Farm and Laurel Hill), May 8-18 

North Anna River, May 23 

Cold Harbor, June 1-11 

Petersburg, June 17 — August 17 

Weldon R. R., August 18-19 

1865 

Hatcher's Run or Dabney's Mills, February 6 
Gravelly Run or White Oak Road, March 31 
Five Forks, April 1 

Surrender at Appomattox, 
April 9 



IN THE BEGINNING 

While patriotism never flagged for a moment, and the 
determination to maintain the Union at all hazards was 
still as strong as ever, it must be confessed that the mid- 
summer military outlook in 1862 was not altogether in- 
spiring for the Nation. Whatever hopes had been raised 
by the success of Burnside in North Carolina, by Grant's 
campaign in Tennessee, and through the occupation of 
New Orleans by the combined forces of Butler and Farra- 
gut, the3^ had been more than offset by the failure of 
McClellan's efforts on the peninsula and the unfruitful 
outcome of Halleck's movement against Corinth. An 
army that had displayed prodigies of valor from Fair Oaks 
to Malvern Hill, now catching its breath on the banks of 
the James River, and an enemy leisurely departing from 
the depot which Halleck had thought thoroughly invested, 
were bitter morsels for Northern people who had been 
led to expect the capture of Richmond and a like fate for 
the rebel forces which had fallen back from Shiloh. 

The slopes of IMalvern were still red with the blood of 
fallen heroes when President Lincoln, on the 4th of July, 
1862, startled the nation with a call for three hundred 
thousand additional troops. The land was rapidly be- 
coming one vast armed camp; Massachusetts already had 
sent nearly or quite fifty thousand men into the army and 
navy, out of her population of less than one and a half 
million people, but before the year was done, the aggregate 
was swollen to more than eighty thousand. Out of the 
great number called for, the assignment to Massachusetts 
was fifteen thousand and, on the seventh of the month, Gov- 
ernor Andrew formally presented the demand to the peo- 
ple of the Commonwealth. Hitherto, there had been no 



8 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

regular apportionment, each division of the state having 
been ready and anxious to aid in filling whatever quota 
might be required. In this case there was a clear state- 
ment of what each city and town, from Abington to 
Yarmouth would be expected to do. 

Concerning the number called for, the president in a 
private telegram to Governor Morgan of New York said, 
''It was thought safest to mark high enough. I should not 
want the half of 300,000 new troops if I could have them 
now. If I had 50,000 additional troops here now, I 
believe I could substantially close the war in two weeks. 
But time is everything; and if I get 50,000 new men in a 
month I shall have lost 20,000 old ones during the same 
month, having gained only 30,000 w^ith the difference 
between old and new troops still against me. The quicker 
you send, the less you will have to send. Time Is everything, 
please act in view of this," All this time, it must be remem- 
bered, Governor Andrew, in a mild way, was criticising the 
National Administration for its failure to liberate the slaves 
and for not imposing upon them many of the hardships 
borne by the regularly enlisted men. 

Nor were the needs of the Government satisfied with the 
demand of July 4th, however large it may have seemed, 
for, while the entire loyal North was putting forth every 
possible effort to secure the required enlistments there 
came from Washington, on the 4th of August, another call 
for troops, this time also demanding three hundred thou- 
sand men, just as though there were a never-ending source 
of supply. This call was accompanied by the possibility 
of a draft, that most dreaded of all methods for securing 
reinforcements, provided the volunteers did not appear 
within a certain limited period; the apportionment, 19,080 
men, it will be observed was more than a fourth larger 
than that in the preceding call, an excess explained on the 
basis that the total number, 34,080, bore the same propor- 
tion to the 600,000, the sum of the two calls, that the free 
population of Massachusetts did to the free population 



In the Beginning 9 

in the states that had shown themselves loyal to the Union, 
and were supporting the Government in the struggle. 

A very prominent question in the emergency was just 
how should the newly enlisted men be placed; should they 
be added to regiments already in the field or should new 
organizations be made for their reception? Excellent 
arguments were offered on both sides; the question had 
been discussed from the very moment that battles or dis- 
ease had begun making gaps in the ranks. When Mayor 
Isaac Davis, after the disastrous engagement of Ball's 
Bluff, telegraphed to Colonel Charles Devens, of the 
Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry, asking what Worcester 
could do for the regiment, the subsequently distinguished 
officer replied, "Send us three hundred and ten men to 
fill our gaps; also a blanket and a pair of mittens for each 
of us; that will do for the present." The good mayor found 
it much easier to supply the woolen requirements than the 
men, who, for certain reasons, were unwilling to enter an 
old regiment where promotion would inevitably go to those 
who had been in the ranks longest, and soldiering without 
the possibilities of promotion is dull business. 

Those who have considered carefully the subject of war, 
its progress and development, have, in many cases, taken 
occasion to censure some of the Northern States, and espe- 
cially Massachusetts, forgetful of the fact that local feelings 
and a confidence in leaders whom the men know go a long 
way in imparting confidence to the citizen soldier. Governor 
John A. Andrew would have filled the old regiments, rather 
than form new ones, and to the newly formed organizations 
he would have given experienced officers instead of those 
elected by the men, but the latter would not have it so. 
In this connection that great man is said to have exclaimed, 
"Julius Caesar himself couldn't raise a company for an 
old regiment as long as there is a shoemaker left to make 
a captain of." The town system, so prominent a feature 
in New England life, had much to do with the fellow-feeling 
in companies and when these different companies, repre- 



10 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

senting as many townships, all belonged to the same county, 
seemingly little was left to be desired in the background of 
the organization. 

The numbering of Massachusetts Infantr}'^ organizations 
had already mounted to thirty before the call of the Presi- 
dent in July, 1862. Recruiting was very active, notwith- 
standing the horrors of war, so graphically set forth in the 
daily press. Meetings to stimulate enlistments were held 
throughout the Commonwealth, becoming a daily occur- 
rence In the City of Boston, where her historic buildings and 
public places resounded with eloquence in behalf of the 
Union and its preservation. Points of rendezvous were 
provided at Pittsfield, Worcester, Lynnlield, Readville, 
and other places for regiments, while Camp Cameron at 
North Cambridge was reser\^ed for recruits to the older 
organizations. Within two months from the issuing of 
Governor Andrew's Order Number 26*, dated July 7th, 
more than four thousand men had been enlisted and sent 
forward to old regiments, nine new ones had been raised 
and equipped, and eight of them had been sent forward to 
strengthen the hands of the Governm.ent. So diligently 
had the governor and his assistants labored, the dreaded 
draft was averted and, long before the first snowfall, the 
last of the great demand upon Massachusetts for the sons 
whom she had reared for other purposes, had gone south- 
ward, gun in hand, following the flag. 

Sometimes regiments were raised by officers commissoned 
for this purpose; in other cases companies were raised in 
cities or large towns which, when full, were sent forward to 
the nearest rendezvous and, when a sufficient number had 
been thus assembled, the regimental organization followed. 
Many towns could not furnish men enough for a company, 
so the men went forward in squads or individually and these 
recruits cither pieced out some company, not quite filled, 
or were thrown together to constitute a new company, this 



*The order wherein were given the quotas of all the towns in the Common- 
wealth and the several conditions of enlistment. 



Lynnfield 11 

being the case with Company G of the Thirty-ninth, which 
had no central source hke those of the others. Lynnfield 
had been designated as the point to which should be sent 
all Eastern Massachusetts volunteers for new regiments, 
while to North Cambridge, Camp Cameron, were forw^arded 
the men who had enlisted in old organizations. These 
two points were to receive the three years' soldiers from the 
countries of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, 
Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk. Already in 
Camp Edwin M. Stanton, Lynnfield, usually called Camp 
Stanton, were the Thirty-fifth and the Thirty-eighth Regi- 
ments in process of formation and along with the Thirty- 
ninth in reporting there was the Fortieth; later came the 
Forty-first, the last of the three years' regiments under the 
July call. 

LYNNFIELD 

Several of the companies constituting the Thirty-ninth, 
had left their respective towns under the belief that they 
were to join the Thirty-fifth, but that organization and 
also the Thirty-eighth were so far completed, that the 
numerals "39" became the designation of the regiment, 
w^hose story is progressing here. Lynnfield had been a 
rendezvous, already, for the Seventeenth, Nineteenth, 
Twenty-second and Twenty- third regiments and, however 
satisfactory it may have proved for those bodies, it was 
clearly inadequate to the demands of the several thousand 
men to congregate here during July and August. Placed 
on a branch railroad, it was difficult of access and did not 
have space for the formation of a regimental line; so rapidly 
did the volunteers report, they found only scant comforts 
in their rendezvous. While only thirteen miles from Boston 
and being nearer still to Lynn, the rush of recruits to the 
rendezvous sadly tried the resources of the commissar}^ 
and made many a boy wish he were elsewhere. Says one 
observer, "No preparation had been made for our recep- 
tion; finally however, tents were found for a portion of the 



12 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

company and we passed the first night in camp in anything 
but a peaceful frame of mind or body. Quite a number of 
the men left camp for home, or found quarters elsewhere. 
Rations, too, were conspicuously absent and for a time we 
depended on outside sources for our supply." Time, and 
patience however, relieved many of these distresses. The 
companies as they reached camp were known only by the 
name of the town whence they came, or that of the officer 
who was in command. Their designation by letters of 
the alphabet came later. Herewith follows a brief account 
of the several companies, their respective beginnings, their 
organization and time of reporting at Camp Stanton. 

COMPANY A 
South Danvers, since 1868 Peabody. 

The allotment of this town on account of the call for 
troops was seventy-five. An enthusiastic meeting was held 
July 11, in the Town Hall, over which B. C. Perkins pre- 
sided and at which the Rev. Mr. Barber and others spoke. 
A committee on resolutions was appointed consisting of 
Messrs. F. Poole, Lewis Allen, John D. Poore, Alfred Mc- 
Kenzie and Dr. George Osborne. A committee of nine 
members was also appointed who were to assist or super- 
vise enlistments. On the 21st, the anniversary of the Battle 
of Bull Run, a special town meeting was held at which it 
was voted to pay one hundred and fifty dollars' bounty 
to each volunteer. Speeches w^ere numerous and a committee 
of forty citizens was appointed, five for each school dis- 
trict, to co-operate with that of nine men already in exist- 
ence. One-fourth of the quota had been raised in two 
days. It was voted to borrow twelve thousand dollars, 
and a committee was appointed to secure the money on 
time at six per cent.; on the 25th, Friday, a great open air 
meeting was held in the town square, a platform having 
been erected in front of the Warren Bank Building. Isaac 



Company A-B 13 

Hardy presided and spoke as did others. On the next day, 
Saturday, the recruits, accompanied by about one hundred 
citizens, under the direction of Roberts S. Daniels, Jr., 
and having a brass band, marched from the recruiting 
station to Lynnfield, distant several miles away, an exact- 
ing experience for raw recruits on a hot July day. Among 
those witnessing the departure was one who, fifty years 
before, had been a prisoner in Dartmoor. All of these 
newly enlisted men supposed that they were going into 
the Thirty-fifth Regiment. July 31st, an adjourned town- 
meeting was held in which it was announced that Eben 
Sutton, a public spirited citizen, had volunteered to take 
the entire loan at five and one half per cent., an act that 
was greeted with great applause by all present. Captain, 
George S. Nelson; first Lieutenant, Henry W. Moulton; 
second lieutenant, George H. Wiley; all of South Danvers. 

COMPANY B. 

ROXBURY. 

Recruiting began early in Roxbury and on the 10th, 
there was a special meeting of both branches of the City 
Government, at which it was voted to give seventy-five 
dollars to each recruit in addition to whatever the General 
Government might offer. It was also voted to appropriate 
thirty thousand dollars for expenses, and the treasurer was 
directed to borrow. Roxbury's quota was three hundred 
and eighty-nine; Saturday night, to inspirit enlistments, 
a public meeting was held in Institute Hall at which Mayor 
William Gaston (subsequently governor) presided and nu- 
merous and eloquent speeches were made, and the previous 
action of the City Government was publicly endorsed. July 
17th, the bounty was raised to one hundred dollars, and on 
the 19th a brass band concert was given in front of Institute 
Hall, with an address by the Hon. John C. Park. August 
7, the Company, numbering sixty-nine men, under the 



14 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

command of Captain Graham, escorted by the militia of 
the city, paraded and all were entertained by Colonel Hodges 
of the Horse Guards in Bacon's Hall, where Judge Russell 
spoke. Sunday, the 10th, the Company attended service in 
the first Universalist Church; on the 11th, again escorted 
by the Horse Guards, the Company paraded through the 
principal streets to Bacon's Hall where speeches were made 
by several persons, including Private George F. Moses, of 
the Company, the latter being filled to its maximum. It 
was on the 15 th of August that the Company assembled and 
through lines of friends and relatives, at a little before noon, 
started for Boston, whence it took train for Lynnfield, 
arriving at about three o'clock, p. m. Captain, William 
W. Graham; first lieutenant, William T. Spear; second 
lieutenant, Julius M. Swain. 

COMPANY C. 
Medford. 

Medford's popular company, the Lawrence Light Guard, 
had already distinguished itself in the Fifth M. V. M., under 
the first call for troops, and was enjoying something akin 
to dignified ease when the president's call for three hundred 
thousand men placed new responsibilities upon all the cities 
and towns, Medford having to raise eighty-eight men as 
her quota. Though the selectmen, acting under the gover- 
nor's orders, did their best as recruiting officers, and though 
there was an offer of seventy-five dollars' bounty, voted by 
the town, and though on the 21st of July the offer was in- 
creased to one hundred dollars, the eligible men did not seem 
disposed to enlist until, on the 29th of the month, the select- 
men addressed a letter to the Light Guard, asking its mem- 
bers to step to the front and assist in filling the requisition. 
The request was complied with at once and, on the 14th of 
August, the company was complete with its complement 
of one hundred and one men, including many who had 



Company C-D 15 

served under the earlier demand. Mustered in on the 14th, 
it left Medford for Lynnfield on the 25th of August under 
most auspicious circumstances, these including religious 
exercises, speeches and the presence of thousands of sym- 
pathetic people. The commissioned officers, all of whom 
had been out with Colonel Lawrence, were captain, John 
Hutchins; first lieutenant, Perry Coleman; second lieuten- 
ant, Isaac F. R. Hosea. 



COMPANY D. 

QUINCY. 

The quota of Quincy was one hundred and five men; 
and to secure this number of new soldiers the first meeting 
was held in the Town Hall, July 12th; a special one, called 
by the selectmen, and the crowd was so great that the hall 
would not hold it. Chief Justice Bigelow, presided and 
spoke, being followed by Josiah Quincy, Jr., John Quincy 
Adams and others; it was voted to offer a bounty of 
seventy-five dollars, and patriotic resolutions were adopted. 
At a meeting held July 21st, it was voted to raise the bounty 
to one hundred and twenty-five dollars. The third meeting 
was held July 29th, with William S. Morton presiding; 
addresses were made by Lieut. Colonel Henry Walker of 
Quincy, Leiut. Colonel Guiney of the Ninth Regiment, 
and by one of the recruits, Charles H. Porter, son of Whit- 
comb Porter, whose remarks were of a very enthusiastic 
character, Captain Spear receiving numerous compliments. 
By the 2nd of August, ninety-six men had been secured, 
the recruiting being done by a town committee. Monday, 
the 4th of August, "Good-bye" was said to the Company; 
line was formed at the Town Hall under escort of Niagara 
Hose Company, Captain Newcomb; an address was given 
by Lieut. Colonel Walker, and a collation was served in 
Lyceum Hall. Thence by horse cars, accompanied by the 
firemen and a band, the soldiers went to and through Bos- 



16 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

ton, and so on by steam to Lynnfield, reaching that place 
at about two p. m. There had been one hundred and 
twelve enlistments in the company, but some had been 
rejected. On the 22nd, the town generously voted to pay 
the recruits one dollar per day for the time spent in drilling. 
This same day the company came home on a furlough, and 
on the next night, that of Saturday, the men assembled 
in the Town Hall and presented Captain Spear with a 
sword, costing fifty dollars, and to First Sergeant John 
Nichols, a sash and belt. It was a noisily enthusiastic 
meeting, so much so that very little of the speaking could 
be heard. Sunday, the 24th, beheld a part of the Company 
at service in the Universalist Church in the morning and, 
in the afternoon. Lieutenant McLaughlin, U. S. A., came 
out from Boston and mustered the Company into the 
United States service. Monday, the 25th, the men returned 
to camp, all save three, who were apprehended as deserters 
and sent after their fellows, everyone proving himself a 
good soldier afterwards; they were just a trifle dilatory in 
keeping up. Captain, Edward A. Spear; first lieutenant, 
William G. Sheen; second lieutenant, Charles H. Porter. 



COMPANY E. 

SOMERVILLE. 

For the apportionment of fifteen thousand men to the 
Commonwealth, Somerville had to raise ninety-two men 
and this she succeeded in doing within the months of July 
and August. The aggregate bounty paid each enlisted 
man was one hundred and twenty-five dollars, one hundred 
dollars coming from the town, the remainder from private 
subscription. 

The selectmen, acting as agents, had recommended three 
men as commissioned officers of the projected company, 
and these, all of whom had seen service in the Sommerville 




Cai'tain Fkkdickic k R. Kixsluy 
B'v't Major and Colonel 



Company E-F 17 

Company of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M., in its three 
months' tour of duty, applied themselves diligently to 
their task. Camp was pitched on Prospect Hill and the 
flagstaff, erected there and then, remained until the digging 
down of the hill some fifteen years later; this occupation 
if possible added to the fame of the spot on which Israel 
Putnam had intrenched himself after falling back from 
Bunker Hill. The stay on elevated and breezy Prospect 
was far from tedious, the nearness of home supplies more 
than compensating for any hardships incident to camp 
duties. Mustered into the U. S. service, August 12, the 
Company remained here until September 2nd, when it 
proceeded to Boxford, there to join the other companies 
which were to constitute the Thirt^^-ninth Regiment, 
having had no taste of the stay in Lynnfield, the rendezvous 
of the other companies. The Commissioned officers were 
captain, Fred R. Kinsley; first lieutenant, Joseph J. 
Giles; second lieutenant, Willard C. Kinsley. All of the 
officers had been commissioned in the Thirty-eighth Regi- 
ment, Captain Kinsley and Lieutenant Giles, August 14th, 
and Lieutenant Kinsley, August 8th, but the assignment of 
the company to the Thirty-ninth Regiment compelled 
the transferal of the officers. 



COMPANY F. 
Taunton. 

Work for the formation of what was to be Company F 
did not begin until the 5th day of August, when a meeting 
of the sub-committee of the military committee was held 
to consider the raising of a new company. Captain Pres- 
bry, one of the selectmen, presiding, with T. Gordon, 
secretary. Joseph J. Cooper was authorized to raise a 
company under the conditions as stated in a letter of the 
Adjutant General, dated July 29, '64, and the general 



18 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

order of the War Department, Number Seventy-five. The 
Taunton Gazette comments that the Heutenancies will be 
offered to Isaac D. Paul and John D. Reed, both men of 
integrity, and "it is believed that the company will be speed- 
ily filled and that it will be one of the most creditable of 
those provided by Taunton." The record for the 6th of 
August was that Captain Cooper had opened a recruiting 
office in Templar Hall Building, and had secured about a 
dozen names. By the 7th, the total had risen to twenty- 
four men; the 8th saw thirty-six names enrolled and, on 
the 11th, the tide had risen to forty-seven good and true 
patriots. The 13th beheld the citizens assembled in town 
meeting, wherein it was voted to increase the bounty to 
two hundred dollars, thus adding a stimulus which resulted 
in filling the company to the maximum. The 18th was a 
day of memories for the good old town, since on this date 
the new company departed for the rendezvous at Lynn- 
field. The largest assemblage of people that the town had 
seen since the leaving of the Seventh Regiment, early in 
the war, was out at seven o'clock in the morning to witness 
the going of the new soldiers. They formed on the green, 
whence they were escorted by the Light Guard, with music 
by the Bridgewater Brass Band, to the railroad station. 
Followed by the enthusiastic cheering of the populace, the 
men were borne away to new scenes and experiences. 
Five days later or on the 23rd, the men had a furlough 
home for twenty-four hours, returning to camp on the 24th. 
Of course, Company F moved with the other companies 
in the transfer to Boxford, where on the 3rd of September, 
a noteworthy incident took place. The men of Taunton's 
company were drawn up in front of their tents when George 
Childs, Esq., in behalf of Taunton citizens, presented 
Captain Cooper and Lieutenants Paull and Reed with 
elegantly mounted revolvers, each officer responding in a 
very happy manner. Captain, Joseph J. Cooper; first 
lieutenant, Isaac D. Paul; second lieutenant, John D. 
Reed. 



Company G 19 

COMPANY G. 
Boston, Hingham, Scituate and the South Shore. 

From information furnished chiefly by Lieut. J. H. Prouty 
it seems that Hingham was about as liberal a contributor 
to Company G as any single place, having thirty-seven 
men in the ranks of "G" and another in "D." It was the 
only company in the regiment that started without some 
local head or centre. When the call came, Hingham took 
action at once, and on the 5th held a town meeting at 
four o'clock p. m., with Captain John Stephenson presiding; 
it was voted to raise five thousand dollars to aid the families 
of volunteers as state aid, and a thousand more to be dis- 
tributed under the direction of the selectmen. July 11th 
brought the people together again, in the evening of Friday, 
to take action towards filling the town's quota of fifty-one 
men; Luther Stephenson presided and several patriotic 
addresses were given; it was voted to pay seventy-five dol- 
lars bounty to every man enlisting, a committee of twelve 
was appointed to co-operate with the selectmen in securing 
enlistments. This committee met on the 15th, organized, 
heard a deal of eloquent speaking and voted to recommend 
to the townspeople that a bounty of one hundred dollars be 
paid to every volunteer. The Town accepted, July 19th, 
the recommendation of the citizens' committee. On the 
same evening, a number of volunteers put down their 
names. An adjourned war meeting was held on the 22nd, 
and a large committee of ladies was chosen to help forward 
the filling of the quota. The next meeting, August 6th, was 
on the call of the ladies and was largely attended; August 
15th, the town voted to make the bounty for each volun- 
teer two hundred dollars. The thirty-seven Hingham men 
who went into Company G were not all new to service, 
for two, at least, had gone out with the Lincoln Light 
Infantry in the Fourth Regiment in 1861, on the first call 
for troops. The volunteers expected to go with the Thirty- 



20 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

third Massachusetts; next with the Thirty-fifth, but finally 
fetched up with the Thirty-ninth. They had no officers. 
The governor commissioned, as captain, Ezra J. Trull, 
better known as "Jack" Trull, who had been a corporal 
in the Thirteenth Massachusetts, and he was assigned to 
the command of "G." Though only nineteen years old, 
he was one of the best drilled officers in the regiment and 
his active, stirring nature kept his company in excellent 
shape. He was a Boston man, as was the first lieutenant, 
C. W. Thompson; the second lieutenant, C. Henry Chap- 
man, was from Cambridge. First and last, more than thirty 
cities and towns contributed to the roll of the company. 

COMPANY H. 
Dorchester. 

Early action was taken in Dorchester towards raising 
the town's quota of one hundred and thirty-seven men. On 
the 15th of July, the citizens convened at the town hall with 
James H. Upham, moderator, and they started proceedings 
by the singing of patriotic songs. It was voted to pay all 
recruits one hundred dollars, and to borrow fourteen thou- 
sand dollars for such purpose. The selectmen were empow- 
ered to carry out the expressed will of the meeting and the 
same board was directed to see to the securing of enlist- 
ments, by the appointment of a "suitable person" to raise 
a military company as a part of the town's quota. The 
Hall had been plentifully bedecked with flags, some one 
hundred in number, among them there being one that had 
been borne in the Revolution. Besides, there were curios 
and relics to excite the curiosity and patriotism of all 
beholders, the display being the work of Frederick F. 
Hassam, who received the enthusiastic thanks of the meet- 
ing for his thoughtfulness and action. On the 19th there 
was a great meeting on Meeting House Hill, with artillery 
company firing sixty-eight guns and the Hon, Marshall 



Company H-I 21 

P. Wilder presiding; of the event the Boston Journal says: 
"Shoulder Arms! Forward, March!" The Company left 
Dorchester Wednesday, August 13, receiving a parting 
salute from Captain Harris' Battery; in Boston there was 
a short parade with refreshments, 1.30 p, m., at John 
Preston's chocolate establishment on State Street. A 
hearty escort was given by the selectmen, many citizens, 
and Fire Engine Company Number 5, and all kept step 
to music afforded by a brass band. From Boston, cars on 
the Boston and Maine Railroad bore the men, one hundred 
and thirty-seven in number, to Lynnfield. Captain, 
Charles N. Hunt; first lieutenant, Robert Rhodes; second 
lieutenant, Robert Williams. 

COMPANY I. 
Natick. 

Natick was expected to provide one hundred and three 
men, or just a company, and this she set about doing 
through a meeting in the evening of July 17th, in School 
House Hall, over which the Hon. J. W. Bacon presided. 
To report a plan of action, the following committee was 
appointed: Leonard Winch, John J. Perry and E. P. Fay. 
Another meeting on the 25th voted to pay volunteers 
one hundred and fifty dollars each, and a committee of 
fifteen was appointed to assist the recruiting officers. 
Monday, July 28th, brought out a great meeting which 
was addressed by United States Senator Henry Wilson, 
Capt. Ephraim H. Brigham and others. By August 1st, 
matters had reached ignition pitch with a great meeting 
in the Town Hall, Captain Brigham presiding; there were 
eloquent speeches, but the one which excited the most 
admiration was that of Benning Hall, Jr., the village ex- 
pressman, who on this occasion made his first public ad- 
dress, chiefly to his comrades, of whom twenty-two had 
put down their names. The fourth public meeting was 



22 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

held August 4th, in School House Hall, Lieut. Simon 
Mulligan in the chair, and it was voted to act at once, and 
to talk afterwards. Then followed "a scene such as few 
people ever witness" when forty-seven men marched up and 
signed the roll amid waving hats and handkerchiefs, the 
very best men in the grand old town. The Hon. Henry 
Wilson was present and spoke, as did Edward Choate, 
G. L. Sawin, H. B. Moore, C. B. Phillips and B. Hill, Jr. 
In one week Natick had raised one hundred and twenty- 
seven men for her company, twenty-four more than neces- 
sary. It was Saturday, August 9, that, escorted by the 
Victor and Union Fire Company, and crowds of citizens, 
the Natick newly enlisted men set forth for their rendezvous. 
After a brief parade in Boston, Lynnfield was sought in 
the afternoon, where the reception was not just what the 
would-be soldiers expected. So many recruits had reported 
there was no room for the Natick people, who had to hire 
a building outside for use until the departure of a regiment 
gave them access to the regular quarters. Captain, 
Ephraim H. Brigham; first lieutenant, Simon Mulligan; 
second lieutenant, William H. Brown. 

COMPANY K. 

WOBURN. 

Woburn's assignment was ninety-eight men and it came 
at a time when recruiting was dull. Still the selectmen, 
in obedience to State House orders, called a meeting of 
Union loving citizens in the Town Hall, on the evening 
of Saturday, the 12th of July. The response was large and 
enthusiastic; it was voted to give every volunteer a bounty 
of one hundred dollars and a committee of fifteen was 
appointed to forward enlistments. It was further voted 
to call a town meeting on the 24th of the month for the 
purpose of carrying out the provisions of this popular 
gathering. Thirty- three men had enlisted or put down their 



Aug., '62 Company K 23 

names before the excitement began or the offer of bounty 
was made, and these men became "the immortal thirty- 
three" in company annals. Recruiting began on the 15th, 
and was very slow, though the office was open day and 
evening. At the town meeting, it was voted to give a 
bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and en- 
listments thereupon increased. Under the encouragement 
of a grand rally and a banquet in upper Lyceum Hall 
in the evening of the 24th, followed by a march through 
the streets accompanied by a brass band and speeches by 
prominent citizens, the roll of enlistments reached fifty 
names. Subsequent rallies and parades resulted in the 
securing of considerably more than the required number 
by the 1st of August. On the 5th of the month, after a 
collation in Lyceum Hal!, escorted by the Fire Depart- 
ment, the company departed for the rendezvous, Camp 
Stanton, in Lynnfield, having the following commissioned 
officers: captain, John I. Richardson; first lieutenant, Luke 
R. Tidd; second lieutenant, Luther F. Wyman. 

Life at a rendezvous camp is much the same, wherever 
found. The change from the untrammeled habits of home 
to the restrained conditions of military life is seldom made 
without friction on the part of the newly enlisted men, and 
if there were a lack of quarters, an insufficiency of food, 
and if the latter were of indifferent quality, they were only 
features to be expected wherever and whenever inexperi- 
enced citizens undertake the transforming act of becoming 
soldiers. However disagreeable some of the conditions 
at Camp Stanton may have been, nothing was encountered 
there that would not have been laughed at, when two years 
later the men were passing through the exactions of the 
"Battle Summer" or later still, when they realized the 
horrors of Salisbury and Andersonville. Nor were the 
days of Lynnfield altogether disagreeable to the recruits, 
for were there not the visits of home friends who always 
came laden with the best o!^ goodies for the "boys," and 



24 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

passes for brief trips to the homes themselves? Besides 
every day had its round of duties, such as guard, the polic- 
ing of the camp and the early induction to drill, even before 
the giving out of uniform and arms. 

Col. Edward F. Jones, who had won distinction in the 
earlier months of the war as commander of the Sixth Regi- 
ment, and later had been assigned to the colonelcy of the 
Twenty-sixth Infantry, was in command of the camp and 
occasionally the newly made soldiers repined at the rigor 
of his commands, quite uncalled for to their undisciplined 
minds. Nothing, however, better exhibited the adaptabil- 
ity of the American soldier than the speed with which the 
material from school, shop and farm, caught the step, 
learned the manual and responded to the command of supe- 
rior officers. In the case of the companies that were to 
constitute the Thirty-ninth Regiment, they arrived after 
the most of the desirable quarters had been taken by the 
men of the Thirty-fifth and the Thirty-eighth Regiments. 
The first named departed for the front on the 22nd of 
August; on the 24th, the Thirty-eighth took train for the 
South and as colonel went Timothy Ingraham who origi- 
nally had been commissioned as the leader of the Thirty- 
ninth; a Captain in the Third Infantry during the three 
months' service, he had been lieutenant colonel in the 
Eighteenth Infantry and there were feelings of regret when 
the New Bedford officer was transferred to the earlier 
numbered organization. 



BOXFORD 

The limitations of Lynnfield finally became so apparent 
that the authorities determined to seek a new location 
and officers were directed to investigate, the result being 
that Boxford, still further away from Boston (twenty-eight 
miles) was selected. Here were the grounds that had been 
used as a musterfield by the Second Brigade, Second Divi- 



Sept. 1, '62 Boxford 25 

sion of the State Militia and, on this extended plain by the 
side of a beautiful pond of water, it was determined to 
pitch the new camp. Orders were given for the cooking 
of three days' rations and on the 28th, by special trains 
the troops were transferred from Lynnfield to Boxford. 
It is possible that had the nearness of the day of starting 
for the front been known the trouble of removal had been 
avoided. Colonel Jones still commanded the camp which 
continued to be called "Stanton" and the commandant's 
rules were quite as rigid as ever. On the 29th, some of 
the soldiers were gladdened by the receipt from the State 
of twenty-five dollars' bounty and they soon found ways 
enough for disposing of it, though many of them had signed 
allotment papers, agreeing to have a portion of their pay 
reserved for friends at home. 

Camp life during the week's stay in Boxford had its 
share of variation such as came from short trips away, 
the visits of friends, the receiving of uniforms, arms and 
equipments and the presentation of gifts to officers and men. 
Sept. 1st brought Col. P. Stearns Davis, the new commander 
of the Thirty-ninth Regiment. A brigadier general in 
the militia, he had been one of the most efficient of those 
assisting Governor Andrew in organizing and forwarding 
regiments, and the governor parted from the officer with 
regret; he succeeded Colonel Jones in the command of the 
Camp. Company officers were remembered by their friends, 
both those in the ranks and outside; on the 29th of August, 
his company gave to Captain Richardson of "K" a set of 
equipments and on the 1st of September, when on leave 
of absence in Woburn, Lieutenants Tidd and Wyman were 
presented by citizens with swords and sashes. Sept. 2nd, 
Company E, from Somerville, appeared in camp, the very 
last to report. On the 3rd, the commissioned officers of 
Company F, Taunton, were given revolvers by their fellow 
townsmen, of whom there was a goodly number present, 
their representative being George Childs, Esq. On this 
day also Springfield rifles were placed in the men's hands, 



26 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

accoutrements following on the 4th, so that they began 
to feel like real soldiers. On the 3rd also appeared Lieuten- 
ant Ladd, U. S. A., who began paying out one month's 
pay in advance. During these days the ladies of Woburn 
made and presented to the Woburn Company (K) a 
National flag, Miss Henrietta M. Young making the address 
of presentation and Lieutenant Tidd receiving, though the 
acceptance speech, in the absence of the captain, was made 
by Lieutenant Wyman. The flag was returned to Woburn 
to be retained there until the return of the company from 
its three years' term of service. 



BOXFORD TO WASHINGTON. 

On Friday, the 5th, came the regimental colors and 
orders to prepare three days' rations against the expected 
departure of the Thirty-ninth on the following day, and 
the same day saw the first dress-parade of the regiment un- 
der the command of Colonel Davis, also the efforts of embryo 
soldiers as they tried to pack into a knapsack two or three 
times as much as it would hold. When the active cam- 
paigning began, they were to learn some of the wisdom of 
Socrates when he exclaimed, "How many things there are 
that I do not need." Breaking camp on the morning of the 
6th was a spirited affair and, after an early breakfast, line 
was formed and the men marched to the station not far 
from 8 o'clock a. m. Here came a lesson in delay that was 
to be repeated many times as the years moved on. Boston 
was sighted between 1 and 2 p. m. and, speedily disembark- 
ing, the regiment took its way through the city to the 
Boston and Worcester station. The day was extremely 
hot, the men had overloaded their knapsacks, hence many 
suffered badly, some having to fall out, though all reached 
the station in time for the train. Company E, Somerville, 
held the right of the line and "C" Medford, the left, so 
that double-quick, with the Medford men, was the order 



Sept. 6, '62 Boxford to Washington 27 

occasionally which, considering the heat, was a trying 
test. Of the march through Washington Street, the Boston 
Journal has this comment, "The men appeared hardy, 
robust and of excellent fighting material and were evidently 
superior in drill to many of the new regiments." 

Though the crowds were great and friends by the hun- 
dred, not to say thousands, were there to say "Good-bye," 
the greetings and partings were had in passing, as the 
quickstep was kept through the city. At the station, the 
regiment was soon entrained for Worcester, as its next 
step on its southern way. There was no lack of interest 
in the departure by people all along the route to Worcester, 
and there the good citizens were not slow in supplying 
food, somewhat more appetizing than the rations borne 
in the haversacks; said rations in many cases became use- 
less through the taste imparted by the recently painted 
receptacles, the traces of turpentine working through. 
One veteran relates, at this late day, his anguish over the 
spoiling of a quantity of fresh mother's made doughnuts. 
Thence, via the Norwich route, the way was southward, 
the first train reaching Groton, Connecticut, the summer 
terminus, about 10.30 in the evening. As the soldier- 
laden train was in two sections, there was a somewhat pro- 
longed wait here for the arrival of the second part. How- 
ever, sometime between 10.30 and midnight the steamer 
"City of New York" proceeded on its way to the great 
city, along the Sound, over which had passed so many New 
England men and boys on their Union-preserving mission. 
Though there was ample space on the soft side of the respec- 
tive decks for the soldiers to lie down, there was alto- 
gether too much novelty for them to encamp at once. 
While the majority secured some sleep during the passage, 
there were those who watched the night through and were 
ready to greet the dawn and to experience the sensations 
of an early approach to the mightiest city of the Western 
Continent. Those who saw that sunrise and the course 
through East River and the final round-up at the Jersey 



28 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

City landing never forgot it; besides, the morning sights 
included a view of the "Great Eastern", the famous British 
steamship, then the greatest in the world and the wonder 
of all beholders. 

Sunday morning at 8'clock, the steamer was docked at 
Jersey City and soon afterward the regiment was again 
embarked on a train for the trip through New Jersey and, 
though it was Sunday and, persumably, many people were 
at church, there seemed to be no lack of generous citizens, 
ready to supply the most luscious of fruit and to prove 
that whatever fun might be had at the expense of the 
state's being a "foreign country" the hearts of the people 
were all right. The day itself was in that delightful early 
fall, when Dame Nature does her best to outdo her June 
wonders, and the hearts of the Massachusett's travellers 
were all aglow as they saw the possibilities of the Garden 
State and when, having been ferried across the Delaware 
River, Philadelphia was reached, every man was in splendid 
appetite for the lavish lunch that the ladies of the City of 
Brotherly Love had prepared for them in the Cooper 
Refreshment Rooms. Few Eastern soldiers failed at some 
time in their experience to test the hospitality of William 
Penn's great city and that veteran is yet to be found who 
does not wax eloquent over the spread there afforded, and 
that was his without money and without price. 

The march through Philadelphia was an enjoyable one, 
the people being in such evident sympathy with the men, 
who at every step were going further from their own homes 
and loved ones. When the station was reached, whence 
they were to start for Baltimore, there was a considerable 
halt during which the Massachusetts boys had a fine chance 
to make the acquaintances of certain of the fair daughters 
of the Keystone State and addresses were exchanged which, 
in subsequent months, afforded pleasure to both man and 
maiden, as letters passed between those in the field and 
the loyal dwellers on the banks of the Schuylkill. The ride 
southward, according to some of the chroniclers, was not 



Sept. 7, '62 Boxford to Washington 29 

as enjoyable as the previous portions had been; indeed 
one careful writer says, "Here the comfort of our journey 
ceased for we were put aboard cattle cars, with rough and 
hard seats"; in most cases, no seats at all; yet the time 
would come when that writer would be delighted to ride 
standing on platform cars even, if thereby he could the 
sooner gain his destination. Wilmington, Delaware, 
reached at midnight or thereabouts, was the first stop and, 
notwithstanding the lateness of the hour there was a modi- 
fied repetition of the Philadelphia reception, every one 
being anxious to contribute to the well being of the "boys 
in blue." Among those in waiting were former dwellers in 
the Bay State who were delighted to grasp the hands of 
men just from the old home. 

The crossing of the Susquehanna River from Perryville, 
Delaware, to Havre-de-Grace was a source of great inter- 
est to these tyros of travel, and whole trains of cars, run 
aboard great ferryboats at once, for a trip over the river 
to the Maryland town opposite, excited not a little wonder, 
if not admiration. On reaching the further side of the river, 
the usual waiting was experienced and, though it was in 
the dead of night, those young soldiers were too full of 
life to allow the time to waste and in their search for mis- 
chief they discovered that the place abounded in geese and, 
long after midnight, these representatives of staid and sober 
New England awoke not alone the squawking fowls but 
the people as well and, over and through the gullied ways 
of this first bit of "Maryland, My Maryland" that they 
had encountered, these men, on fierce battle bent, pursued 
these poor feathered bipeds, though what they were to 
accomplish by a complete round-up, they had not the least 
notion. However, from any such test they were happily 
saved by the appearance on the scene of Colonel Davis 
who, apprised by the noise of the need of his presence, 
admonished his valiant followers to cease harrying the 
birds; nor were the mischievous fellows sorry, for they had 



30 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

gone about as far as they could and not have their fun 
changed into serious fault. 

The regiment had reached the region where constant 
watch was kept over stations, railroad bridges and all 
points where it might be easy to obstruct transportation; 
hence the sight of dimly seen figures performing sentinel 
duty as the train swept along was not a little interesting 
to the men who were, as rapidly as possible, advancing from 
the abode of peace and plenty to that of privation and 
danger. Dawn of the 8th brought with it the entrance 
of Baltimore by the latest Massachusetts organization and, 
as the men marched through the silent streets in the early 
morning, many of them contrasted the reception accorded 
them in the unquestionably loyal city of Philadelphia, 
and that in the Monument City, which a year and five 
months before had caused the first bloodshed in the Civil 
War. A substantial breakfast was served at the Union 
refreshment rooms, though nothing like the generous 
spread made the day before by the ladies of the city on the 
Schuylkill. Several regiments, like the Thirty-ninth on 
their way South, were found waiting orders and transpor- 
tation and the situation was somewhat emphasized by the 
sudden and serious illness of a number of soldiers, the rumor 
gaining circulation that they had been poisoned. Fortu- 
nately before the irate soldiers could begin retaliatory 
measures against the people, it was decided that the ail- 
ment was simply cholera morbus, occasioned by injudicious 
eating of green fruit obtained in transit. 

Ellicott's Mills, not so very far from Baltimore, towards 
the west, was at first announced as the destination of the 
regiment, but, as there was no supply of tents or wagons, 
the order was countermanded and cars were taken for 
Washington. The sight of the incomplete Capitol and other 
public buildings was a glad one to these Massachusetts 
men who, in spite of warlike intentions, were alive to all 
of the geographical attractions that they might encounter. 
Reaching the Nation's centre of activity somewhat late 



Sept. 9, '62 Potomac Crossed 31 

in the afternoon there was some time in which to take 
cursory glances of many edifices, already familiar through 
picture and print. Supper and lodgings were found in the 
barracks, close by the Baltimore and Ohio depot, and 
those who did not like the fare at the barracks, and could 
afiford the price, had the privilege of supping outside. 
Weariness can sleep upon a flinty bed while lazy sloth may 
toss upon the softest of couches, hence the floor of the so- 
called "Soldiers' Rest" afforded comfort for the cattle 
car travellers. In the morning of the 9th, it was discovered 
that the Tenth Vermont had arrived during the night and 
was encamped outside, a regiment with which the Thirty- 
ninth was eventually to be brigaded for a time. 



POTOMAC CROSSED. 

The breakfast was not of a sort to elicit any great amount 
of praise from the soldiers and once more those who could 
got their food outside, and the forenoon was passed largely 
in seeing the sights of the Capital. Very likely the folks 
at home were thinking that their boys were so much needed 
that they were to be ordered into battle-line at once; but 
all concerned were to learn that in the fiercest of wars there 
are many waits, and this delay in Washington was incident 
tofindingout just where the Thirty-ninth was to report, for 
all knew very well they were not to halt there long. The 
orders came from Gen. Silas Casey in time or them to 
move out of the city about noon and so to take their way 
across the Long Bridge, the thoroughfare connection be- 
tween Washington and Alexandria, then the most famous 
structure of its kind in America ; on account of the vibrations 
the regular route-step was broken. The day was hot and 
sultry, the dust intense, made so by the constant passing 
of horses and men, and the newly enlisted soldiers, loaded 
down with their bloated knapsacks and other burdens, 
began to think that soldiering was no joking matter. 



32 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

While thus advancing into Virginia the Thirteenth 
Massachusetts Infantry was encountered, the men having 
all of the activity and swing that come from long experi- 
ence, though thinned ranks spoke volumes for the encoun- 
ters they had passed through, but they were in no halting 
mood and with only the greetings possible in passing the 
Bay State men kept in motion. It was the time when the 
disastrous Second Bull Run had necessitated realignment, 
and measures were afoot which in a little more than a 
week were to lead up to Antietam. It was a march of 
seven miles which brought the dust begrimed men to the 
vicinity of Fort Albany, an extensive fortification situated 
on the estate of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the famous Virginian 
so prominent in the Confederate Army, a locality rapidly 
growing in reputation as Arlington. Though camp equi- 
page had not as yet made its appearance, the weather was 
so dry and warm no trouble was found in camping without 
other outfit. In every direction the eye could see very 
little save tents and campfires, with the passing of long 
baggage trains, and the night air bore the strains of many 
bands of music, all joining in a mighty effort to keep the 
minds of the soldiers alert and free from the care which 
besets solitude and repose. 

On the slopes of Arlington the morning of the 10th found 
the regiment, its members all alert to observ^e and learn 
the lessons of each successive day. The night had brought 
about great changes, for a large portion of the camips so 
apparent during the watches of the night had entirely 
disappeared; to be sure there had been some extra fires 
during the preceding hours when, as it appeared later, 
camp debris had been burned, but all of these indications 
were lost on the newcomers, to whom the symptoms of 
breaking camp were unfamiliar, and how should they 
know that already the fates were preparing for Antietam, 
the bloodiest single day's fight of the entire war? That 
the enemy was not very remote was currently reported 
and many of the young soldiers thought they might be 



Sept. 12, '62 Potomac Crossed 33 

ordered into the fray at an early hour. Then too, for the 
first time, they saw the coming into the Union line of 
escaped negroes, the "contrabands" of General Butler's 
ruling; "strange looking beings," one of the observers 
remarks. The 11th day differed in no essential from its 
predecessor save that the arrival of tents permitted the 
pitching of them and the instituting of regular and strict 
camp orders. The proximity of great earthworks, known 
as forts, prompted many to visit them and thus to appre- 
ciate the efforts that had been made to render safe the 
nation's capital. Drills were begun, roll-calls were fre- 
quent and the first dress parade in Dixie was recorded for 
the Thirty-ninth on this day. 

After a day of routine on the 12th, while companies were 
forming for battalion drill, orders came to pack up and be 
ready to move out. It was after dark and in the midst of 
a driving rain that the start was made, but through the 
mud and darkness the regiment proceeded with as much 
willingness as the circumstances would permit till, at last, 
after what seemed a very long time and a great distance, 
really the latter was only two miles, the welcome command, 
"halt," was heard, and as it was not followed by one to 
move forv\^ard the men were content, the rain having 
stopped, to throw themselves upon the ground and there 
to find the rest that ever comes to the weary whatever the 
conditions. The regiment was now near the outermost 
lines and pickets were thrown out. The next morning, 
13th, revealed the location as near Fort Tillinghast, and 
work was immediately begun on clearing the ground for a 
camp, this being the third effort for this purpose made by 
the men and some of them hoped they might be allowed to 
remain long enough to see just how a real camp at the front 
would look. It appeared that to the Thirty-ninth had 
been assigned the duty of picketing the line between 
Forts Tillinghast and Craig. Here Sibley tents were 
received, the same having been left by the Sixteenth Maine 
on the departure of the latter for the march into Maryland. 



34 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

This was the Introduction of the Thirty-ninth to an organ- 
ization whose later history was considerably involved with 
that of our Massachusetts men. 

The forts, which occupied almost every elevation of land, 
were conspicuous on every hand, and were a part of the 
system devised for the thorough protection of Washing- 
ton, They numbered in all, including batteries, sixty-eight, 
and were for the most part named for distinguished officers 
slain in the conflict. All of them were not constructed 
at this time, but the record includes those that were built 
later as well. The total perimeter of the fortifications was 
thirteen miles, and the outer border thus guarded was 
nearly or quite equal to that of the original District of 
Columbia. Besides the forts there were twenty miles of 
rifle trenches, thirty-two miles of military roads and ninety- 
three unarmed batteries for field guns, with four hundred 
and one emplacements. In the total armament of these 
earthworks there were nearly a thousand cannon and 
mortars. Notwithstanding this formidable array. Early 
and his men came near getting through and into the city 
in July, 1864. 



ON THE MARCH. 

Whatever hopes of permanency may have been cher- 
ished as to the new camp they were all destroyed before 
the day (14th) was done. There were inspections, always 
a Sunday feature, the distribution of cartridges, which had 
a businesslike aspect, and the dispatching of three com- 
panies to the picket line only to be recalled later with orders 
to pack up and be ready for a long march. In addition it 
was ordered that knapsacks be left behind, a fact that 
brought up visions of forced marching and a possible 
encounter. To the inexperienced soldiers separation from 
their knapsacks was a serious matter and each man debated 



Sept. 15, '62 On the March 35 

with himself as to what he could best leave behind, the 
upshot of it all being that generally his blanket, tied in a 
roll and slung over the shoulder, w^as the one item deemed 
absolutely necessary. It was quite seven o'clock before 
the march began, the way being through camps and along 
the sides of forts until the Aqueduct Bridge, leading across 
the Potomac to Georgetown, was reached; the name of 
the bridge arising from the fact that the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Canal crossed here, terminating in Alexandria. Over 
the bridge and through Georgetown the pace was a brisk 
one until, after a march of possibly seven miles, a halt for 
the remainder of the night was ordered on a prominence 
back of the village of Tennallytown. 

The 15th began with the soldiers at five o'clock and 
there was a march of fully two miles before the halt for 
breakfast. Apparently in the same line with our men 
were the Tenth Vermont and a Pennsylvania Battery 
and the news gradually spread through the ranks that 
the purpose of the speedy trip was to do picket duty 
along the Potomac River. To the undisciplined mind 
it did seem as though a less headlong pace might have 
been set for such an end, but it was not for the men to 
complain nor to reason why, but rather to plod along as 
rapidly as possible. Inasmuch as the heat was extreme, 
the roads dusty, many of the men, quite unused to the 
strain and wilting under the sun's rays, fell out. This 
day, too, the preparation of meals was entirely by the 
soldiers themselves, company cooks having done the 
work before. When a halt was ordered it was obeyed 
with the utmost alacrity, the men throwing themselves 
upon the ground with expressions of relief. When at last, 
after another advance, there came the orders to halt and 
prepare coffee, they were heard with gladness, the location 
being near an old mill on Waitt's Branch, this being an 
ajffluent of the Big Muddy Branch, but the night was not 
to be spent here, the officers deciding that it was not a 
defensible place, hence the march was continued in the 



36 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

most quiet manner possible, to the brow of a hill where 
camp was pitched for the night. In the light of subse- 
quent knowledge that the enemy was many miles away, 
the extreme caution must have been the result of false 
information to those leading. 

Another day, 16th, began early and the route was still 
up the Potomac, though the pace was not so rapid as that 
of yesterday. At noon dinner was eaten at Seneca Mills 
and then followed a stretch of about fifteen miles, lead- 
ing up to Poolesville, a village by no means important in 
itself, yet it had been heard of frequently in Massachu- 
setts since here, or in this locality, a year ago were en- 
camped the Fifteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Regi- 
ments from the Bay State and through here had marched 
the Thirteenth. To Lieut. Colonel Peirson and Major 
Tremlett, the place must have seemed very familiar since 
both had been officers in the Twentieth. Not a few of the 
latest visitors thought that its size and appearance hardly 
comported with its notoriety. A sudden and violent rain- 
storm accompanied the entrance of the place where were 
found two cavalry companies on duty, who informed the 
inquirers that the Battle of Poolesville, shouted so loudly 
a few days before at Arlington was really only a skirmish, 
in which the only casualty was the killing of a horse, the 
whole affair being one of many incidents, accompanying 
the movements of Stuart's Cavalry in the general advance 
of General Lee into Maryland. Notwithstanding the 
rain, weary men threw themselves upon the ground, glad 
to rest in any way anywhere; but long before morning the 
fierceness of the storm and the level character of the plain 
on which the men were lying, reducing the latter to some- 
thing like a duck-pond, made the soldiers get up, build 
fires and try to dry themselves, but with indifferent success. 

The day of Antietam's great battle, the 17th of Septem- 
ber, found the regiment making coffee around fires that 
were larger than usual, owing to the moisture that per- 
vaded everything, but wet or dr\', there was to be no pro- 



Sept. 17, '62 On the March 37 

tracted halt here and the village, later to be quite familiar 
to the Thirty-ninth, was left behind as the regiment plodded 
along about three miles further. Turning off into some 
woods, camp was established, rations drawn and prepara- 
tions were progressing for staying a while when orders 
came, directing five companies (B, C, D, G, and K) to go on 
picket at once. Marching about two miles further, the 
river was reached by the companies at Edward's Ferry. 
The latter is thirty-five miles from Washington and the 
section had been more or less mixed up with the war from 
the very start. Edward's Ferry was familiar on account 
of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, just across the Potomac, on 
the 21st day of October, one year before. Out in the 
river is Harrison's Island, a bit of land that had been seen 
in fancy by thousands of Northern people whose loved 
ones had died there. The road, traversed by the men, 
was the Leesburg pike, the ferry being one of the features 
of the way. While the country is attractive, with the his- 
toric river flowing through it, the soldiers were not there 
for historic studies. Posting one company at the Ferry 
as the extreme left, the men were strung along the river to 
Conrad's Ferry, five miles further up the stream. So on 
the banks of Old Potomac began the duties of soldiering 
in a region that had already echoed to battle's din. Parallel 
with the Potomac, sluggishly flows the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Canal and along its banks many of the picket groups 
were posted. Five miles to be under observation by about 
five hundred men or, as they were posted in groups of five, 
there were twenty posts to the mile and, if stationed at 
equal intervals, each set of sentinals was responsible for 
sixteen rods, but other circumstances than mere distance 
determined the placing of men on picket. Probably no 
more vigilant soldiers than these of the Thirty-ninth ever 
watched the river and opposite shore, for the novelty of 
the situation and the knowledge that the rebels were within 
shooting distance made the responsibility great. Besides, 
the rumbles from distant Antietam, throughout the 17th, 



38 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

were calculated to waken apprehensions in the minds of 
men who had no means of knowing what way the fight 
was going. 

PICKET DUTY. 

Thence onward till the 23rd of the month this tour of 
duty continued and however irksome it may have been 
to many, as a rule, men preferred such service to the routine 
of roll-call and almost constant drill in camp. Happily 
for these tyros in military experience, nothing of note dis- 
turbed the general quiet of the period, though every man 
was on the alert for the first indication of hostile approach. 
The proximity of Maryland farms and well-filled larders 
suggested foraging and, while some of the men paid for the 
food which they obtained, others did not, and a consider- 
able raid is recorded which resulted in the bringing into 
camp of a great variety of material, both animal and vege- 
table, as well as cereals and fruit. While it was new busi- 
ness for the majority of these well brought up young men, 
they speedily adapted themselves to their new conditions, 
and rare was the soldier who could not secure food to eat 
if anything of the kind were within reaching distance. It 
is said that bills, aggregating fifty dollars, were presented 
to the Colonel by suffering farmers from the afflicted local- 
ity and they were paid by someone, though the amount was 
later assessed upon the offending companies. Sickness 
made its appearance among the men, largely the result 
of indiscretion in eating, the abundance of all sorts of fruit 
inducing indulgence therein to the extent of serious stomach 
and bowel difficulties. Also, the individual cooking done 
by the men may have had a share in the disorders named, 
for while some of the combinations of fried pork, apples 
and molasses may have been very palatable, they cer- 
tainly were a surprise to many of the stomachs, into which 
they were introduced. At the same time the lesson of self 
help had to be learned. 



Sept., '62 Picket Duty 39 

On the 23rd, the companies on picket were relieved by 
those in camp and there came a chance to receive the knap- 
sacks left at Arlington on the 14th, and the extra clothing 
thus was appreciated by all to whom the coldness of South- 
ern nights was a revelation. Shelter tents were distrib- 
uted and every one speedily learned how much comfort 
could be found beneath them. Here too began in good 
earnest the school of the soldier, and four drills a day, 
along with roll-calls at frequent intervals, induced a 
degree of attention and a weariness that made many a lad 
seek his rest, when possible, without any prompting. The 
first death in the regiment came on the 27th, when Nathan 
Mitchell, a Bridgewater boy. Company F, twenty-one 
years old, passed out of this life. The funeral was held the 
next (Sunday) morning, an impressive lesson for the soldiers 
of the possibility of death in camp as well as on the battle- 
field. 

For a number of days there followed a regular exchange 
of duties between camp and picket, the latter being con- 
sidered preferable, as a rule, having so much less of drill 
and the fretful features of military life. Men learned to 
wash their own garments, to mend their apparel and to do 
many things of which, had they remained at home, they 
would always have been ignorant. The bi-weekly arrival 
of the mail was a regular event that never lost its interest, 
and happiness and misery were separated only by the receipt 
of letters or their failure. The folks at home knew this 
full well, and there were few boys in blue for whom some 
one in the distant Northland was not planning some 
pleasant interlude during these months of separation. Con- 
federate prisoners, too, were not unusual, on their way 
under guard to Washington, and while they at first excited 
curiosity, the latter feeling was mingled with wonder at 
their lack of uniform and the general soldierly appearance 
which the Union soldiers maintained. Under the impression 
that the Maryland side was held by his people one rebel 
forded the Potomac, clad in citizen's garb, wearing a Penn- 



40 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

sylvanian's knapsack which, he said, he had acquired at 
Manassas; he was a queer looking soldier, though he claimed 
to belong to the Sixth Florida Infantry. Someway, he 
had managed to get off the rebel route on the way back 
from Antietam. It was no infrequent thing for an alarm to 
bring the men into line at any time of night and to make 
them stand thus until daylight did appear. Seemingly the 
foe was constantly fording the Potomac above or below the 
portion guarded by the Thirty-ninth Regiment. In one 
case, the "sure rebels," who had built fires across the river, 
proved to be the division of General E. V. Sumner re- 
turning from a raid upon the wagon-train of General Lee. 

Since reaching "Old Potomac's Shore" no more memor- 
able day had been recorded than Sunday, October 12th, 
when the regular inspection was interrupted by the arrival 
of a courier with orders to march at once since the enemy 
was crossing the river at one of the upper fords, and skirm- 
ishing was already in progress. Much to the wonder of 
some, in spite of the urgency the inspection was finished 
and the rations drawn before the Thirty-ninth, in heavy 
marching array, started off at a double-quick, to make 
up for lost time. The heat of the day and the heaviness 
of the attire made the march exceedingly trying, but 
Conrad's Ferry was reached at last, knapsacks were un- 
slung, line of battle was formed, and the approach of the 
enemy was awaited; but in vain, for the rapid riders of 
J. E. B. Stuart had already crossed at White's Ford, two 
miles further up the stream. Some of the hypercritical 
soldiers thought that if the inspection had been ended at 
once and the march made in light order, the Thirty-ninth 
might have arrived in time to interrupt the placid passage 
of the Potomac by the venturesome Confederates. 

STUART'S RAID. 

It is in place to state that the affair was the termination 
of one of the most picturesque incidents of the entire war. 



Oct. 9, '62 Stuart's Raid 41 

On the 9th of October, Confederate General Stuart with 
eighteen hundred of the best mounted and most reliable 
men in the brigades of Wade Hampton, Fitz Hugh Lee 
and B. H. Robertson started from Darksville, a place some 
miles above Martinsburg in the valley of the Shenandoah 
and, moving northward, crossed the Potomac at McCoy's 
Ford and reached Chambersburg, Penn., in the evening 
of the 10th. In the Keystone State the troopers had helped 
themselves to whatever they chose to take, but they had 
carefully refrained from molesting property on their way 
through Maryland. In Chambersburg and vicinity, horses 
and whatever might contribute to the welfare and comfort 
of the invaders were appropriated. The night in the Penn- 
sylvania city was spent in drizzling rain which added not a 
little to the peril of the situation, for Federal authorities 
were astir, hoping to surround and capture the entire rebel 
outfit. The morning of the 11th, the horsemen turned 
their steps eastward, proceeding towards Gettysburg as 
far as Cashtown; thence the route was directly southward, 
through Emmitsburg, New Market, Hyattstown, etc., 
with only momentary halts, to the Potomac. There was 
no bivouac for the night, since any hour might confront 
the riders with a Union force to efTectually block their way. 
Stuart had the good fortune to be guided by Capt. B. S. 
White, a Poolesville man and a member of his staff who 
knew the entire country thoroughly, so that, while the 
Federal forces were looking for the enemy further down the 
stream or at points higher up. White piloted them to the 
ford and saw them in safety on the other side. 

It was one of the great events of military history; 
General Stoneman with infantry and cavalry was stationed 
at Poolesville, and Pleasanton was in readiness at the 
mouth of the Monocacy, places which the astute Confeder- 
ates carefully avoided. The net results of the expedition 
were the destruction of public and railroad property in 
Chambersburg to the amount of two hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars; two hundred and eighty wounded and 



42 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

sick prisoners, paroled; thirty United States government 
officials and other citizens of prominence, captured and 
forwarded to Richmond, to be held as hostages for Confeder- 
ate citizens held by the North, and more than twelve hun- 
dred horses brought away to replenish the mounts for the 
daring rebels. Within twenty-seven hours, the Confeder- 
ates had ridden ninety miles, encumbered with artillery and 
captured horses, and had forced the final passage of the 
Potomac virtually under the very eyes of the Union forces, 
their only loss being two men who wandered away, and 
the only casualty was the wounding of one man. Not a 
few observers in the Union ranks wondered why things 
were thus, and Hooker's pertinent question, "Who ever 
saw a dead cavalryman?" is remembered. 

An interesting postscript to the escape of Stuart and his 
men came about soon after when Poole and Leslie of Com- 
pany K, in spite of the strict orders as to watchfulness 
and care, laid off their clothes, when on picket, and swam 
over to Harrison's Island where they found no other rebel 
than an old mule, feeding in solitary, but on their way back 
they found in the river a pair of saddle-bags that had be- 
longed to the Chaplain of Hampton's Legion, one of Stuart's 
force, and evidently lost in the crossing. The contents 
consisted in pious tracts, a vest with Confederate buttons, 
needles and thread, and a hospital flag, a yellow cotton 
affair, which years afterward would be one of the finder's 
choicest relics. Leslie was alwa^^s very sorry that those 
tracts were not distributed among the Johnnies, for he 
thought they needed them badly. 

The same rain that had made the rebel raid all the more 
difficult rendered the return of our men to camp very un- 
comfortable, but they had learned something of what might 
be expected of them. Besides, during the evening they 
acquired a bit of military knowledge from certain troops 
under Gen. D. B. Birney of the Corps, lately commanded 
by Gen. Phil Kearney. They too had come in a hurry 
from Hall's Hill and found themselves too late for the game. 



Oct. 14, '62 Moving Again 43 

It had been a hard day and the men were tired and hungry; 
flocking over to the camp of the Thirty-ninth, they were 
cordially received and the Massachusetts men generously 
gave what they could to the comfort of the weary soldiers, 
receiving in payment many thanks and some pretty large 
stories of the fights in which the older soldiers had been. 
One of the latter's first acts was to build great fires, using 
therefor the fence rails, hitherto untouched by the Bay 
State lads, this being in conformity with orders, but the 
experienced campaigners cared not a copper for rules, but 
speedily laid hold on the combustible matter and lighted 
roaring fires that astonished the lately arrived. Such 
desecration was not to be tamely endured by those who 
strictly interpreted the law, so the colonel of the Thirty- 
ninth undertook to stay the hands of the wet and muddy 
soldiers and thus to save the fences, but the veterans of the 
Peninsula, Groveton and Antietam were not to be diverted 
by mere language, and the conflagration continued till 
long lengths of zigzag fence had disappeared. 

MOVING AGAIN 

Tuesday, the 14th of October, saw the regiment again 
in line, and marching something like eight miles towards 
Washington to Seneca Landing, camping there for the night. 
The land was low and wet near the canal, and in the morn- 
ing all turned out as wet as if they had been in the rain, so 
dense was the fog that overspread the locality. By morn- 
ing's light, a new camping-place was found on a high hill, 
half a mile to the rear, where camp was once more pitched, 
the Sibley tents having arrived; the location was the same 
that was occupied by the Second Massachusetts Infantry 
in the winter of 1861 and 2; the Landing, about twenty- 
five miles from Washington, was at the mouth of Seneca 
Creek and was a depot of supplies for the army. A note- 
worthy arrival of mail is chronicled for this place, since in 
the maneuvers of the last few days, a large quantity of 



44 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

such matter had accumulated at Poolesville and it is re- 
corded that fully eight bushels of letters and papers were 
distributed among the men, hungry for news from home. 
Hitherto, the Thirty-ninth had acted in an independent 
capacity, but on Friday, the 17th, orders were promulgated, 
organizing a brigade, to be under the command of Brigadier 
Gen. Cuvier Grover and to consist of the Thirty-ninth, 
the Tenth Vermont, the Fourteenth New Hampshire and 
the Twenty-third Maine along with a battery and certain 
cavalry, the same being an independent brigade, though 
under the ultimate command of General Heintzelman, who 
was in charge of the defenses of Washington, the duties 
being similar to those hitherto performed. 

During these days, while there were drills, inspections 
and other camp duties, the enlisted man had time, or he 
took it, to visit neighboring farms, to quiz the natives, to 
sample the products of the land and in many ways to prove 
his derivation from Yankeedom. The men found the negroes 
glad to see them and ready to hurrah for the flag, while 
suspicion was generally harbored that professions of loyalty 
on the part of slave-owners were not particularly sincere. 
Target shoots were indulged in, a practice of which there 
should have been more throughout the army; Sunday, 
the 19th, was remarked as quite uneventful, since there 
were only inspections and dress parade, and no alarm of 
any sort. October 20th orders came to pack up, and a 
removal to the mouth of Muddy Branch was made, 
possibly three miles nearer Washington, where the old 
routine was continued. As the name of the stream would 
indicate, the locality was still very unhealthy, being low 
and damp, but the duties were less arduous when on picket, 
through there being less posts and less hours of duty. 
Illicit traffic with the enemy had to be strictly watched and 
prevented. 

On the 21st, a long stretch of enbankment on the canal 
breaking away, a detachment of five men from each com- 
pany was made to proceed to the scene, some three miles 



Oct. 21, '62 Moving Again 45 

down the stream, and to repair the same, an employment 
hardly contemplated when they enlisted. However, they 
succeeeded in stopping the crevasse and permitting the 
renewal of transportation. Though comparatively near 
the base of supplies, provisions at times were scarce and 
hardtack and water seemed scant rations for men accus- 
tomed to more generous fare. If, under such circumstances, 
soldiers foraged occasionally, sometimes paying for what 
they got, more often not, why, it was only a part of the 
game that the North and the South were playing; and to 
prove themselves rapidly progressing, October 24th, osten- 
sibly in retaliation for excessive charges, a raid was made 
on the regimental sutler,* mulcting his assets to the amount, 
so said, of about eighty dollars. 

The section guarded by the Thirty-ninth and the other 
regiments of the brigade, being on the canal and river, was 
one pretty throughly traversed by the Union soldiers and 
those who kept diaries made many interesting entries. 
There was a constant passing of boats on the canal and 
all roads led to Washington. Negroes on their way to the 
Nation's Capital might be intercepted, but if the black 
man asserted that he was running away from his master, 
he would have been a rare soldier who would turn him 
back. One colored person, thus halted, very aged, claimed 
to have been a slave of General Washington and, in reply 
to a query, said that the Father of his Country looked very 
brave. Though situated on the top of a hill, the constant 
wet weather made the surroundings of the camp any- 
thing but agreeable, the soil being soft and sticky; to crown 
all misfortunes, occasionally a tent would collapse upon 
its occupants in the midst of rain and wind, resulting in 



*The privilege of piecing out the regular rations and of providing luxuries, 
not thought of by the commissary in his wildest dream, was accorded in the 
Thirty-ninth Regiment to Gilbert and Sumner Pullen, both natives of the 
State of Maine and enjoying the kinship of Second Cousins. After the war, 
Sumner Pullen, whose home was in Dedham, was a travelling salesman 
throughout his business life. He died in Dedham, Sept., 1890, aged 79 years; 
of Gilbert Pullen, no data subsequent to the war have been found. 



46 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

hurried action on the part of the unfortunate fellows who 
may have just come in from the exactions of a prolonged 
tour of picket duty. 

Lucky was the man on picket when the last day of 
October rolled round, for on this date there were inspec- 
tions and waitings in line, armed cap-a-pie, sometimes at 
a "shoulder arms," drills, reviews and a muster for pay. 
Everything seemingly that could be rung into a day's 
work was had. Perhaps the fact that the muster for pay 
covered two months of service was as agreeable an exer- 
cise as the day afforded. It was during these days that 
at least one company, possibly more, undertook to repeat 
the game so nicely played by Birney's veterans when they 
camped near the Thirty-ninth at the time of Stuart's cross- 
ing the Potomac; in other words, representatives of the 
companies, under supposed proper orders and directed by 
sergeants, went out some distance from camp and secured 
a good supply of well dried fence rails for the use of the 
company cooks in the preparation of food. The matter 
was thought quite proper, until the men were ordered 
into line and compelled to pick up what rails had not already 
been chopped into firewood and to carry them back to the 
place where they were obtained, though in depositing them 
the soldiers surely raised a sign of offense before the doors 
of the parties making complaint. Somehow the men could 
not be made to appreciate the tender manner in which 
some in authority thought the residents should be treated. 

While each day brought its regular round of duty, there 
was little of novelty in successive days, the soldiers gradu- 
ally hardening into the restraints and exactions of camp 
life. The 7th of November brought the first snow fall of the 
season, and though only about two inches of the fleecy 
reminder of northern regions fell, it was enough to impart 
a robe of whiteness to Mother Earth and boys-In-blue had 
the pleasure of snow-balling while it lasted, which was 
scarcely more than twenty-four hours. The 9th was Sun- 
day and it brought the regular inspections, though the rain 



Nov. 11, '62 Moving Again 47 

and cold prevented religious service and dress parade. The 
cold was severe enough to freeze liquids left by the occu- 
pants in their tents while out on duty. Monday, the 10th, 
marked a brigade inspection by General Grover, which 
the men inspected voted much easier than those made by 
their Colonel. This was the last appearance of General 
Grover in the brigade since on the 11th he was ordered to 
report to General N. P. Banks, who was organizing rein- 
forcements for the Department of the Gulf. A native of 
Maine and a graduate of West Point, 1850, he had won 
honors at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and at the Second Bull 
Run. As commander of a division in the Nineteenth 
Army Corps he will win still further laurels both in the 
extreme South and in the Valley of the Shenandoah. His 
independent brigade had grown to respect him highly. 

OFFUTT'S CROSS ROADS 

The departure of General Grover was followed by the 
assignment of Colonel Davis to the command of the brigade 
and the elevation of Lieut. Colonel Peirson to that of the 
regiment. In close connection with the foregoing, a change 
of location was ordered by General Heintzelman and, on 
the 13th, another move towards Washington was effected. 
Turning out long before daylight, an early breakfast was 
eaten and the line of march was begun before sunrise, the 
terminal being Offutt's Cross Roads, some twelve or more 
miles from Washington, the crossed roads being that from 
Rockville to Great Falls, and the turnpike which paralleled 
the river and canal, terminating at Tennallytown. There 
was a deal of grubbing out of stumps and other obstacles 
necessary in providing for a parade ground, though the 
site was considered better than the one just left, even if 
there was no adequate supply of water near. All the other 
regiments in the brigade were camped close by, viz. : the 
Tenth Vermont, the Fourteenth New Hampshire, and the 
Twenty-third Maine. In honor of the retiring brigade 



48 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

commander, the new stopping place was named Camp 
Grover. 

In diaries of the period two quite diverse entries are 
found for the 15th, one stating that Colonel Davis, acting 
brigade com.mander, was thrown from his horse, though 
fortunately he was not seriously hurt; the other that the 
band of the Fourteenth New Hampshire played "Home 
Sweet Home" so beautifully that it made a wave of home- 
sickness sweep over and through the brigade. A company 
from each regiment in the brigade was sent out by Colonel 
Davis to look after some of Captain White's guerrillas. 
A distressing accident was that of the 17th when James 
W. Finn of Company I, only eighteen years old, a farmer 
boy of Natick, fell from the containing wall of the canal- 
lock into the water and was drowned. During these days, 
the men were learning how to make their tents warmer 
through a system of stockading, and there was need enough 
of it, since cold weather had begun. Of all the regiments, 
there is a large representation in the hospitals, though the 
Thirty-ninth is better off in this respect than the others. 
However the best is bad enough, for on the 21st Charles 
H. Morrison of the Natick company passed on, followed 
on the 22d by Sumner P. Rollins of Somerville, a young 
man of eighteen years. Again on the 23rd, two more men 
of " I " crossed over, George L. Fogg and Francis E. Mann, 
and on the 25th, died Francis E. Newhall, also of Natick. 
Hugh Connoly of the Woburn company died November 
25th. In the five weeks' stay at this point, the Tenth Ver- 
mont lost twenty-five men, their funeral marches through 
the camp being of almost daily occurrence. 

Two and a half miles from the canal, at or near Great 
Falls, where begins the aqueduct which carries Washing- 
ton's water supply, a considerable portion of these soldiers' 
duty was the guarding of the Government buildings there, 
including a bakery; near by was a large freestone quarry 
whose product was utilized in the building of the reservoir 
and the aqueduct itself. Considering the rain, which was 



Nov. 27, '62 Offutt's Cross Roads 49 

very prevalent, and the mud which deepened on little pro- 
vocation, the distance seemed to grow as the days advanced. 
On the 24th two companies were sent off in a hurry to inter- 
cept some of Stuart's cavalry said to be in the vicinity of 
Edward's Ferry; nothing came of the effort more impor- 
tant than the capture of two negroes. There was little going 
on that did not involve the colored man more or less. Even 
Mr. Offutt, for whom the cross roads are named, had been 
in the Old Capitol Prison because of his inability to render 
up one of his slaves when called for by General Jas. S. 
Wadsworth, when the latter was military governor of the 
District of Columbia. 

November 27th was Thanksgiving Day at home, possi- 
bly the most generally observed day in New England. For 
several preceding days there had been a steady stream of 
packages from the homeland, indicative of the apprecia- 
tion in which every soldier was held somewhere. Of course 
these boxes and bundles contained articles of comfort both 
for internal and external use. The approach of the day 
on which the Governor and State Secretary unite in "God 
Save the Commonwealth" brought out many expressions 
of wonder among the soldiers as to how the day would or 
could pass without something unusual in the way of food. 
The care and foresight of the home-army supplied the 
answer to the query, whether expressed or not, and though 
there was no general table around which the hundreds 
gathered, in some way it was possible for the greater por- 
tion of the men to feel that the day had its special signifi- 
cance even if they were far from home. Company K, which 
hailed from Woburn, was especially well served, and the 
display of boxes and other receptacles in the company 
street excited no little admiration, not to say envy, in the 
minds of some not so well provided for. It is stated that 
even fluids, particularly interdicted, were smuggled through 
some of the packages, notwithstanding the thorough search 
of the captain, and specimens of Northern distillations 
were submitted to that officer's approval. From that date, 



A/ 1. 



50 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

"canned tomatoes" acquired a new distinction. There 
was a release from the greater part of camp duties and the 
time thus secured was devoted to baseball, football and 
the other diversions so easily devised by the American 
youth. 

A feature of the Thanksgiving spread, possibly not 
wholly understood at the time, came out subsequently 
when the "boys" learned how much work their pleasure 
had cost others. C. F. Whitney of Company I was serving 
as wagoner, and the night before the 27th, soon after "Taps," 
he was aroused by the wagon-master with the statement 
that there was no hardbread for the men, that the morrow 
brought Thanksgiving; he ordered Whitney to proceed to 
the Canal Locks, about three miles away, and with the 
commissary sergeant get a load of 'tack. Having worked 
hard all day, Whitney naturally demurred, but he had to 
comply, so he harnessed his six mules, took in Sergeant 
Hilton and started on his night ride. It was after 10 o'clock, 
the sergeant went to sleep at once on a bed of bags in the 
bottom of the wagon, but no such comfort attended the 
driver who, in his saddle on the wheel-mule, had to look 
after things. About halfway to his destination, he had to 
pass through a stretch of always muddy road, now actu- 
ally overflowing with water, so deep in places that he had 
to take his feet from the stirrups to keep them dry. Night 
work of late had fallen to Whitney's lot, hence he was 
sleepy to the point of actually dozing off while in the saddle, 
this of course, after getting through the morass, and from 
this semi-sleeping state he was suddenly roused with the cry 
of "halt," uttered seemingly by a dozen voices. With as 
many bayonets pointed at his breast, his first thought was 
of "Johnnies," but he put on a bold front and shouted, 
"Let the mules alone, I can handle them myself." He 
would not tell them where he was going neither would he 
give the countersign, because he had none, nor had there 
been any picket-line along the way before. All this time 
the sergeant had slept on in his cosy bed, but he was roused 



Nov.-Dec, '62 Offutt's Cross Roads 51 

and proved equally ignorant of the password. It seemed 
that the Tenth Vermont, camped near, had just established 
a picket-post at the place, and the men were acting accord- 
ing to instructions; much to the disgust of the two men 
of the Thirty-ninth they were compelled to turn about and 
return to their camp; nor did their troubles end there for, 
having cared for his animals and being on the point of turn- 
ing in himself, the quartermaster again informed the driver 
and the sergeant that they would have to go back for that 
load of 'tack. So back they went, mules, mud and all, and 
wuth the countersign, getting by the Green Mountain boys, 
they reached the canal boat which they found having a 
great pile of Thanksgiving boxes from the North; wisely 
choosing these instead of the hardbread, they took the 
offerings to camp, reaching the same just after reveille, 
and had no trouble in unloading; and this is how the regi- 
ment got its spread for Thanksgiving. 

The remainder of November and the beginning of De- 
cember had no special variants from the recent routine of 
drill, police and picket duty, though the scribe of Company 
K makes mention of the formation of a "construction 
corps" from a portion of that company, the object being 
the erection and equipping of a structure which should be 
used as a bath-house and a barber-shop. The labor essen- 
tial to the cutting down of the necessary timber, the trans- 
portation to camp and its preparation there for use, absorbed 
the time and attention of a large number of men, who wel- 
comed a relief from the constant round of drill with its 
endless repetition of facings, pacings and flank-movements, 
though the work performed was by no means light. At 
the same time increased labor fell on those who were ob- 
liged to perform the picket, sentinel, guard and other 
duties which were incessant. In the night of the 14th, a 
party of rebel raiders surprised in Poolesville a detach- 
ment of Scott's Nine Hundred, a New York Cavalry regi- 
ment, resulting in the capture of a number of the Union 
soldiers, with the death of one and the wounding of others. 



52 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

The place being so near the earHer camps of the Thirty- 
ninth, on or near the Potomac, the men were not surprised 
at increased vigilance in the placing of pickets all along 
the interval between the Cross Roads and the Leesburg 
pike. An observer in Company B says for this day, 
" Buried one of our men by the name of Hiedenway (David), 
the first one in our company." 

During these days, news from the terrible battle of 
Fredericksburg began to filter into the camp, at first very 
favorable for the Union side and then the awful truth came 
in all of its horrors. Our men of the Thirty-ninth had 
brothers and friends by the hundreds in the Bay State 
regiments that suffered there, the news, by no means, 
making easier the duties of the guardsmen along the Poto- 
mac. The weather was cold and any proposition to move 
from the well established camp was exceedingly unpopular, 
but just such intimation came in the evening of the 20th, 
when orders were received to be ready to march. The boy 
who wrote in his diary "We have just got nicely settled 
for winter" learned, ere he was many months older, that 
wars are not conducted on the basis of being comfortable. 
The four regiments of the brigade were in line by nine o'clock 
in the morning of the 21st. Fortunately the weather was 
fine and the start was made, with music by the band, and 
six of the miles were marched, before the halt was made 
for the preparation of dinner. As Poolesville, the destina- 
tion, is about twenty miles away from the Cross Roads 
(Offutt's) there yet remained a deal of walking to be done. 
With all of their camp belongings, over the frozen ground, 
the distance seemed greater than it really was. 



POOLESVILLE 

It was after dark, 6 o'clock on the evening, when the 
village was reached. Once a fairly prosperous Southern 
town, Poolesville revealed at this time a sorry spectacle of 



Dec. 21, '62 Poolesville 53 

the ravages of war. Many of the men had straggled, unable 
to keep the pace of the hard march and only about one- 
fifth of the entire body arrived with the colors, but the 
delinquents limped loyally in, though late. Accommoda- 
tions for the night had to be found wherever available, 
the village church holding many, the schoolhouse others; 
many found shelter in barns and not a few sought sleep on 
fence rails whose native hardness was softened a bit by 
straw obtained from a nearby strawstack, though its com- 
plete demolition was prevented by those soldiers who had 
managed to burrow into it. A sergeant of Company E who 
kept a small quantity of "commissary" for medicinal pur- 
poses had entrusted the precious flask to the keeping of 
John Locke, the most likely member to be faithful to his 
trust. Alas, when the sergeant called for the flask he got 
it empty, the contents had gone to help dry the thoroughly 
saturated comrades of Locke, who thought the boys would 
never have greater need. While in the morning of the 22d, 
some of the regiment were detailed for picket at Edward's 
Ferry, more remained in the village. Some of Scott's Nine 
Hundred, the regiment that had suffered from White's 
guerrillas about a week before, chose this day as one for 
wreaking vengeance on certain storekeepers, one of them 
Jesse Higgins by name, these natives being suspected of 
complicity with the enemy. The goods of the merchants 
were thrown out regardless and the lucky soldiers who 
chanced to be near helped themselves to whatever they 
liked best, though Companies B, H and K, being at the 
Ferry, missed their share of the wreckage. In Pooles- 
ville were thus halted the Thirty-ninth and the Fourteenth 
New Hamshire; the Tenth Vermont went further up the 
river and the Twenty-third Maine found its post lower 
down. 

Duty along the Potomac was not unlike that performed 
some weeks before, but in the interval these men had learned 
a deal; not only had they been drilled but they had ob- 
served that all of the people resident in the vicinity were 



54 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

not wholly loyal, that many of them were ready to pass 
the desired word along to the enemy whenever opportunity 
offered, and for such reasons they determined to piece 
out their own rations with whatever was obtainable from 
the citizens. Nothing that was edible and transportable 
was safe from the predatory hands of the men and boys 
who, a very few months before, had been conspicuous 
in their own localities for their sterling honesty and straight- 
forwardness. War and so-called necessity worked won- 
derful transformations in these well reared New Englanders. 
If all the stories that have been told in subsequent years 
may be believed, the marvel is that the natives had any- 
thing left to subsist upon. December 23rd brought the 
camp-stores and equipage by way of the canal, and a large 
force was set at work cutting away trees to make ready 
for the new camp. The site chosen for the camp was that 
on which the regiment had halted at the end of its first 
considerable march, that from Arlington in the preceding 
September. A large detail of men from the several com- 
panies, not on picket, worked hard through Wednesday 
the 27th, to properly pitch the tents and so collect the 
men into camp once more. 

Of course the 25th of December came to Camp Davis, 
the name of the new winter quarters, just as it did to the 
rest of the world, but signs of Christmas were painfully 
lacking. One youth made this record, "To-day is Christ- 
mas; four of us went out of the lines and got a Christmas 
dinner and had it charged to Uncle Sam." Furnishing 
food to Union soldiers in those parts must have been like a 
lottery with the chances against getting anything back. 
Said another observer, "Christmas day! And we would 
not know it by the work going on in camp; dined on salt 
beef, more commonly known as 'salt-horse'." The later 
days of the month were devoted to properly equipping 
the camp which, for location, was the best yet occupied 
except for wood and water, the latter having to be brought 
fully half a mile, and the former was two miles off. For 



Dec. 28, '62 Poolesville 55 

purposes of drill the parade ground was unexcelled and 
was extensive enough to admit of the maneuvers of an en- 
tire division at one time. Once more the Sibley tents are 
stockaded and the men believe that winter quarters are 
really realized. In the light of later years, the occupants 
of that camp claim that there was no better in the entire 
army. Though located on a level plain, it was so well 
drained that no amount of rain was able to render it dis- 
agreeable underfoot, a fact which no doubt contributed 
to the prevailing health of the men. 

On Sunday, the 28th, as the men were falling in for in- 
spection, their eyes were gladdened by the sight of the 
Tenth Massachusetts Battery, subsequently known to 
fame as "Sleepers," approaching Camp Davis. This event 
is thus cheerfully alluded to in John D. Billing's excellent 
history of the Battery, " 'How are you, Boxford?' was the 
greeting from the Thirty-ninth Regiment, as soon as we 
were recognized, and it seemed like meeting old friends to 
fall in with those who had been encamped with us on the 
soil of Massachusetts." It was a strange stroke of fortune 
that should bring these Boxford neighbors again so near 
to each other, for the battery was assigned to the brigade 
and found a camping place close by. This day, too, brought 
to the ears of many, for the first time since leaving Massachu- 
setts, the sound of a church bell, but it was not for these 
soldiers, who were still perfecting themselves in the school 
of the soldier; lessons so well learned that the Thirty-ninth 
stood second to none in discipline and soldierly appearance, 
and better still in general health, conditions largely due to 
the unceasing diligence of the Colonel, with whom drill 
seemed to be the chief end of man, especially those wearing 
uniforms. Long before daylight in the morning of the 
30th, an alarm brought the men into line and four com- 
panies of the Thirty-ninth with a single section of Sleeper's 
Battery started off towards Conrad's Ferry where, as usual, 
a crossing of the rebels was reported. In light marching 
order, over the most difficult of roads, the party hastened 



56 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to the scene, as supposed, of trouble. Though there were 
the reaching of an island In the river by means of a boat 
and a certain amount of fortifying, nothing came of the 
affair and at 1 p. m., tired and hungry the return trip was 
begun, ending at 4 o'clock, with every one out of conceit 
with military movements. On the last day in the month 
the Regiment was mustered for two months' pay, always 
a welcome exercise. 

1863 

The new year was ushered in on Thursday, and the pre- 
vailing sentiment among the men is indicated by this entry 
in his diary by one who evidently had entertained other 
opinions, ''The boys are rather blue on the war subject; 
they begin to think they will not get home in the spring." 
Very few soldiers had any idea of the many long and weary 
months before them. The first men who went out, the 
Three Months' Men, thought it hardly possible that it 
would take all of their projected term to wipe out the 
Rebellion, nor were the rebels any less in error in their 
estimate of the duration of the conflict. In the middle 
of the month, the same writer once more reflects thus, 
"Our hopes of getting home in the spring are somewhat 
blighted," yet he and his comrades attended strictly to 
duty just the same. As the month progressed, the men had 
full opportunity to size up and adequately estimate the 
village near which they were encamped. Like everything 
that ever fell under the blighting hand of slavery, it exhib- 
ited a lack of paint and enterprise. Poor Richard long 
since remarked that he who by the plow would thrive must 
either hold himself or drive. In the South the slave- 
owner did neither; superintendence was entrusted to the 
overseer and what work was done, the slave did. How well 
this was accomplished, the surroundings showed. It has 
been said that there were only two loyal men in the village, 
Mr. Metzger, the postmaster; and Dr. Brace. Under such 



Jan. 2, '63 Poolesville 57 

conditions there need be little wonder that the Yankee 
boys thought it no sin to spoil the Egyptians. 

It was in the night of the 2nd that some vagrant mem- 
bers of Scott's Nine Hundred, that redoubtable New York 
cavalry body, which in December had cleaned out Higgins' 
store, came back to do it again. On guard was F. R. W. 
Hall of Company F whose brother, Eben A., was perform- 
ing similar duty in a neighboring building. "Whiskey" 
was the battle cry of the New Yorkers and they sailed in 
to wreck things. At first, to oppose them, was only "A 
little red-headed guard" and they soon found that that 
Hall could neither be hired nor scared, though he was 
extremely happy to find soon at his side the brother, 
supposed to be in another place. Both boys were "Sons 
of Temperance" and they proved to the rummies that, once 
at least, prohibition prohibited, for the Halls managed to 
keep the mob out till Lieutenant Paul appeared with the 
reserve guard ; even then the raiders did not subside, for 
they formed under their leader preparatory to a fight. 
Not having their cavalry outfit with them, they gave way 
to discretion, always the better part of valor; and all the 
more readily when Lieutenant Paul gave the order to 
charge, and they rapidly disappeared in the darkness. 
They had succeeded in smashing all of the windows, how- 
ever, and almost unroofing Hall, whose gory scalp was pro- 
claimed the first case of bloodshed for the Regiment. 
Though Higgins might have been a rebel, he doubtless was, 
the boys were set to protect and they always obeyed orders. 

The 5th of January beheld the return of Colonel Davis 
to the Regiment, the command of the brigade devolving 
on Col. A. B. Jewett, of the Tenth Vermont, who after all 
these weeks had discovered that his commission ante- 
dated that of our Colonel just one day and there were peo- 
ple so uncharitable as to intimate that he had had the 
document redated just for this special purpose. Though 
there may have been those who did not altogether love 
Colonel Davis, because of his excessive devotion to drill. 



58 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

and the rigors of a soldier's life, all were as one in their 
admiration of his military bearing and his fitness for the 
head of the brigade, while his successor was notably lacking 
in all such characteristics. The Colonel made his first 
reappearance at dress parade and was greeted with a 
round of hearty cheers. In the evening he was honored by 
the Regiment's gathering round his quarters, accompanied 
by the band of the Fourteenth New Hampshire. The 
serenade prompted the officer to make a very happy speech, 
thanking everybody for progress in the past and urging a 
continuance in the same commendable direction. That 
the head of the Regiment was deeply interested in the wel- 
fare of his command was evident to every man. 

The month was not entirely devoid of interest and the 
sham-battle between the battery and a portion of Scott's 
Nine Hundred (Eleventh New York Cavalry), on the 6th, 
roused the admiration of all onlookers to a high pitch ; the 
rapid firing of the guns and the shouts of the charging 
cavalry gave the boys a notion of what the real thing must 
be, an impression rendered all the more vivid by the acci- 
dental wounding of several of the combatants, through 
premature discharges and too close proximity of certain 
ones. The endless round of all sorts of drill was rendered 
less irksome by the remembrance of those at home who 
were constantly sending choice bits of food for the delecta- 
tion of their dear ones in the field and, to crown all, on the 
17th, came seventeen barrels of apples for the Woburn 
company, right from the town that had first produced the 
famous Baldwin apple, and the generosity of the "K" 
boys was unstinted in distributing their pomological trea- 
sures among their less fortunate friends. Sunday, the 18th, 
some three hundred or more of the men repaired to the 
Presbyterian Church for religious service, expecting to 
hear the Chaplain, but in his stead. Private Batcheller, 
one of the older members of Company B, preached, a fact 
well illustrating the diversity of talent among American 
soldiers. 



Jan. 20, '63 Poolesville 59 

The "knapsack-drill" of January 20th has lodgement in 
the minds of many, the Colonel ordering that the 1 p. m. 
company drill be executed in heavy marching order. Con- 
siderable growling and grumbling were heard in the prog- 
ress of the duty, and at its end Companies F and G gave 
three rousing cheers for "knapsack-drill," an act that 
roused the ire of the officer so that the companies were 
ordered on an hour's drill without cessation. At the end 
of the battalion-drill, the Regiment was formed in solid 
square and Colonel Davis very clearly explained to the 
men his reasons for the heavy task imposed, dwelling on his 
mortification at the episode of the morning. He said that 
whatever had been done as yet, it was only a prelude to 
what must follow and he desired the men to become in- 
ured to fatigue through such exercises as those of the earlier 
hour, concluding his words by the remark that if they would 
act like men, they would receive corresponding usage from 
him. The next three days were marked by a very severe 
rain storm; tents went down before it, and the sheds for 
the stalling of the wagon-train mules, some one hundred and 
thirty in number, fell in upon the animals. Covered with 
straw, and saturated with rain, the burden became too 
great and the calamity followed, luckily not to the fatal 
injury of any of the beasts. The 25th being Sunday, it is 
recorded that some of the men went to prayer meeting and 
that in the afternoon the Chaplain preached, though his 
auditors were chiefly from Company A, the one in which 
he had enlisted. Of the 29th and 30th, it is told that a 
snow storm that would have befitted Vermont or New 
Hampshire raged, much to the discomfort of those on 
guard, while others had not only to clear the company street 
but to free the parade ground for brigade inspection, the 
same coming on the afternoon of the 31st and being con- 
ducted by Col. Robert Wilson, of the Fourteenth New 
Hampshire, Colonel Davis acting Brigadier-General, in 
the absence of Colonel Jewett. 



60 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

February proved to be a stormy month, severe snow 
storms reminding the men of the cHmate at home, but 
guard rounds had to be maintained, no matter what the 
weather might be. On Monday, the 2nd, a battaUon of 
the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, Major Kenyon, appeared, 
and became a part of the local Union force. Armed with 
the very latest of breechloading carbines, they had every 
sign of ability to put up a good fight with whatever foe 
the future might develop. Very likely no event of the 
month gave the soldiers any more enjoyment than the 
coming of the paymaster on the 6th, with the money that 
the Regiment had been looking for so long and anxiously. 
"He took us all by surprise," says one writer, "coming on 
the grounds at 3 p. m., with his four-horse team." While 
a considerable part of the sum received went into the tills 
of local dealers and of the sutler, by far the larger part 
was sent home for the comfort of loved ones there. Com- 
pany K sending thus fully $2300. The payment was only 
to the first of November, and it was the first coming of the 
dispenser of Uncle Sam's compensation since leaving Massa- 
chusetts. He was employed two days in passing out the 
money. 

One of the episodes of this snowy Poolesville winter 
was the effort that a certain notable member of Company — 
made to get out of the army. On account of a certain 
grievance, real or fancied, he simulated insanity so per- 
fectly that there was a pretty general agreement that he 
had lost his head. Having committed to memory the en- 
tire contents of the American First Class Reader, he would 
station himself in the middle of the parade ground and in 
the stillness of the night hours declaim from the reader; 
even Colonel Davis began to think his man had lost his 
reason. Had the soldier stopped here or had his readiness 
to say a good thing, regardless of consequences, been under 
better control, his ruse probably would have succeeded. 
In the system of rigid camp neatness, a barrel for night 
refuse was provided for every company, to be carried off 



Feb., '63 Poolesville 61 

each morning; to the increased astonishment of his com- 
rades our declaimer now added fishing to his pranks and 
most soberly bobbed for bites in the filthy liquid. Finally 
Colonel Davis, after watching the performance from the 
tent of a company officer, approached the fisherman and 
asked what he was doing. "Fishing, sir," was the sober 
reply. "What do you expect to catch?" says the Colonel ; 
"My discharge, sir." It was there that the man fell down, 
but he never could resist the temptation to make an apt 
reply. Plenty of hard work soon restored the orator and 
emulator of Izaak Walton to all of his normal senses and to 
becoming a model soldier. 

During these days a strange rumor gained credence, viz., 
that the Regiment, with the Fortieth and Forty-first was to 
be assigned to the nine months' quota, the Government 
having found that the State had exceeded its three years' 
allotment by three regiments. If the origin of such insane 
propositions could be ascertained a great boon would be 
conferred upon humanity, since many a man found him- 
self most grievously disappointed when the whole affair 
was recognized as an illusion. A great snow storm began 
on the 17th, and for twenty-four hours raged fiercely, chang- 
ing finally into rain, which effectually removed what other- 
wise would have occasioned many a backache; the men 
counted the time well spent in checkers, cards and other 
camp diversions, in place of regular drill. It was a sorry 
time though for those on guard. The 20th brought pleasure 
to the quarters of Colonel Davis, for, on this day, his wife 
came to pay him a visit. Washington's birthday brought 
another old fashioned storm of wind and snow, testing 
fully the texture and endurance of the Sibley tents; fuel 
was scarce also, and, orders to the contrary notwithstanding, 
neighboring fence rails found their way into the fireplaces, 
thus giving a measure of comfort to the shivering occupants. 
The only official notice of the day was the firing of a salute 
by Sleeper's Battery, thirty-four guns, the report of which 
could hardly be heard above the roar of the storm. 



62 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

As soon as the storm abated there was the usual heavy 
detail of men from the several companies for the purpose of 
clearing the streets and parade ground, the wisdom of such 
procedure had, by this time, become apparent to the men, 
since they could go about their several duties dry shod, while 
neighboring regiments plodded with wet feet through the 
slush and mud which followed the disappearance of the 
rapidly melting snow. Experience and observation are 
the best of teachers. A very pleasant instance of camp 
amenities was exhibited in this month, when First Sergeant 
Oscar Persons, of Company K, having been promoted to 
a second Lieutenancy and assigned to Company D, was 
presented by his late comrades with the equipments essen- 
tial to his new position. The presentation was made by 
Lieutenant Wyman, and the recipient very happily 
responded. The ever obliging band of the Fourteenth New 
Hampshire accompanied the men on their errand of love, 
and discoursed music fitting to the occasion. The month 
ended with the bi-monthly muster for pay, the same making 
the Government just four months in arrears. 

March will not be much, if any, improvement on the pre- 
ceding month. The demand for fuel to supply heat for 
cooking and also for rendering the tents comfortable makes 
it necessary for details to go further and further from camp, 
and it is very fortunate that so much of the country has 
been allowed to grow up to forests. All men have to take 
their portion of the chopping exercise and in the perform- 
ance of all camp duties. Possibly there was some abate- 
ment in drill on account of the weather and consequent 
condition of the grounds, and if the wearied soldiers were 
allowed a little more time in quarters, they accounted it 
no real loss. Pertaining to the variable character of the 
March weather, and illustrative of certain most admirable 
racial characteristics, Abijah Thompson, of "K, " tells the 
story of a certain Irishman among the Woburn boys, the 
very best natured lad in the company, who was on guard 
duty in the midst of one of the hardest downpours of that 



March 17, '63 Poolesville 63 

torrential period. The weather, however, made no dijffer- 
ence with Colonel Davis, for his regular rounds were made, 
rain or shine ; when he neared Patrick the latter faced the 
officer, presented arms and said, "Good marnin, Kurnel! 
It's a foin mornin' this, if wan't for the rain." 'Tis said 
the Colonel laughed so hard he almost fell off his horse. 
Both February and March witnessed a steady coming 
into the lines of rebel soldiers, really deserters, whom it 
was necessary to escort down to the City of Washington. 
To serve on the squad which thus guarded the men-in-gray 
to the Capital was considered to be a privilege. Also in 
this month, the authorities pursuing their investigations 
determined that several so-called Union citizens of the 
vicinity were really sympathizers with the South, and for 
such reasons a Mr. Pleasants and Colonel Leonards were 
arrested and sent to the old Capital prison. 

The 17th was "house cleaning" day and, the tents hav- 
ing been removed from the stockades and everything car- 
ried out, the spaces were carefully inspected by the surgeon, 
the lieut. colonel and Captain J. Henry Sleeper of the Bat- 
tery; the report of the officers was very complimentary to 
the Regiment. Whatever the coincidence, the event had no 
connection with the British evacuation of Boston nor with 
St. Patrick's day. The two months were notable in the 
number of furloughs that officers and men obtained for 
trips back to Massachusetts, not long ones, but sufficient 
for a taste of home comforts and a sight of the dear ones 
there. The month ended with the severest storm of the 
season, the snow falling in great quantities, but at the period 
of the equinox, snow cannot be expected to remain a very 
great while and it departed more rapidly than it came. An 
observer on the spot wrote thus in his journal for the 31st, 
"Woke up and found the ground covered with snow; reali- 
zation of the sunny South is very different from what I had 
fancied it." 

April found the Thirty-ninth still in its Poolesville camp, 
that is, when its members were not out on picket and other 



64 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

duties, the same extending a long way up as well as down 
the Potomac. The weather was as variable as ever, a mix- 
ture of good, bad and indifferent, yet through it all the 
regiment maintained a fair condition of health. "Many 
jokes and sells, for it was All Fools' Day," was the entry 
in a certain diary for the first day of the month, and what 
nonsense a thousand men of military age could not devise 
on such an occasion, it would be difficult to imagine. The 
2d was the regular New England Fast Day, and a holiday 
was proclaimed by the Colonel, for which he received the 
mental if not verbal thanks of all the "boys" who pro- 
ceeded to enjoy the day to the limit. Probably as large a 
proportion of the regiment attended the religious services 
at 11 a. m., conducted by Chaplain French, as were pres- 
ent at similar exercises at home churches in distant Mas- 
sachusetts. However this may have been, there was no 
failure in taking part in the races, sparring-matches and 
various games, or at least witnessing them. The baseball 
game was between the men of Sleeper's Battery and those 
selected from the Thirty-ninth with the honors remain- 
ing with the Infantry, though the cannoniers were supposed 
to be particularly skillful in the throwing of balls. 

The 5th of April found the ground again covered with a 
heavy fall of snow, and though it departed quickly it left 
a deal of mud and discomfort generally. The roads and 
by-paths were not so well drained as the grounds of our 
Bay State regiment. Thanks to the careful annalist, we 
know that the new bakery w^as in working order on the 
8th and that the first batch of bread was to be baked that 
night. Too bad that it had not come earlier or that any 
necessity for its coming at all existed when the entire camp 
was so near the army bakery of Washington. Once more 
rumors became current that moving day was near, and 
Saturday, the 11th, it was given out that seven days' rations 
would be drawn on Monday, the 13th, preparatory to de- 
parture. A target shoot marked this last Saturday in the 
Poolesville camp. Sunday was a beautiful spring day, 



Apr. 11, '63 Poolesville 65 

though not as quiet as the day might be elsewhere, for the 
bustle of preparation was evident on all sides. The ever 
welcome band of the New Hampshire Regiment made the 
time pass all the more rapidly with its vibrant melody. 
There were just two days more in Camp Davis and then 
came the change. 

A RAINY MARCH 

The first orders were to the effect that the whole brigade 
was to move, but these were so far modified that only the 
Thirty-ninth was to go, though the New Hampshire Regi- 
ment followed later. Washington was known to be the 
destination, and provost duty was understood to be the 
occupation. The start was made in the midst of a driving 
rain, a fact, however, which did not prevent the Granite 
State friends and those of the Battery thronging about to 
wish their comrades a " God-speed." It was pretty generally 
understood that the Thirty-ninth was selected as the first 
to go because of the rasping relations, as to priority of 
commissions,* existing between the respective colonels of 
the two regiments. 

The storm did not prevent the New Hampshire band 
from turning out to give us a hearty send-off and there was 
need of it, since the general sentiment, long before the halt 
for the night came, was "the hardest yet." "Now came an 
awful march through mud and water up to our knees; 
many straggled behind, while others found it easier going 
ahead of the Regiment." A stop for dinner was made in a 
wood by the roadside, and by patience and care fires were 
made for the preparation of coffee, and then we were off 
again till at a distance of fourteen miles from Camp Davis, 



*Reference to the records of the officers, as given in the archives of Vermont 
and Massachusetts, shows that Colonel Davis was commissioned August 29, 
1862, and Colonel Jewett on the 26th, though the document was not issued 
until the 30th. Since possession is universally considered nine points of law, 
it would seem that the burden of evidence was on the side of the Massachu- 
setts Colonel. 



66 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

about three miles from Rockville, a very moist camping 
place was found in some pine woods, and such rest as satu- 
rated garments would permit was sought beneath the pro- 
tecting cover of shelter-tents though many, utterly miser- 
able in their soaked condition, preferred to stand before 
great fires which they had coaxed into burning. Others, 
more thoughtful, but less careful as to orders, had taken 
the opportunity to seek cover in barns and other places 
of refuge along the way, some even getting good lodgings 
in dwelling houses, all confident that they could easily 
overtake the Regiment after a night's rest and drying. 
Appreciation of Maryland villages or hamlets was at the 
lowest ebb, one observer charactering Dawsonville as a 
place of one house, a blacksmith shop and a few other 
tumbledown buildings, while Darnstown was considered 
appropriately named without further comment. 

The morning of the 16th came none too vSoon, and many of 
the boys who were getting great lessons in the "school of the 
soldier," started off before the regimental orders to march 
were given at 9 o'clock, the rain continuing to fall, though 
not with all the emphasis and continuity of yesterday. 
Those who had the money and started early enough ob- 
tained excellent breakfasts in Rockville, the county seat of 
Montgomery County, and by far the prettiest village these 
blue clad wanderers had seen since passing through New 
Jersey, an opinion coincided with by more than one regi- 
ment in subsequent months. Here began a new experience 
since, thence onward to the Capital, the road was macada- 
mized which, however much dryer it might be for the feet, 
soon began to make them exceedingly sore, more trying 
even than the muddy roads thus far encountered. While 
thus advancing on Washington, the headquarter 's wagon 
was met on its way to Poolesville and, on the order of 
Colonel Davis, the mail belonging to the Regiment was 
taken out and distributed to the men, a most cheerful 
episode in an otherwise very dreary day. 



Apr. 16, '63 A Rainy March 67 

Whatever the speed of the men who marched ahead of 
the Regiment, they were all held up by the vigilantguards at 
the first post of the pickets who were stationed around the 
entire city. This was a few miles before reaching Tenally- 
town and, at the post, the advance stragglers awaited the 
coming of the main body. Showers had been intermittent 
throughout the day and, after a march of sixteen miles, 
the drenched sons of Massachusetts were pleased to reach 
the above named place, practically a Maryland village, 
though within the confines of the District of Columbia. 
In or near the village was a large edifice, used as a retreat for 
the priests and pupils of Georgetown College during the 
summer season, and here the bedraggled Regiment found 
refuge, reaching it through the great fortifications which 
surrounded the city, portions of which had been seen on the 
Virginia side of the Potomac, the nearest forts being Reno 
and Gaines. That straggling was common became apparent 
when an entire company found ample space in a single 
room, whose comforts were all the more comfortable as 
the men heard the rain which persisted through the most 
of the night. 

"Somewhere the sun is shining" never had a more hearty 
greeting than when, after so many hours of pitiless pelting, 
the morning of the 17th dawned clear and bright. Naturally 
there were orders to dry and clean up, the house grates 
affording opportunity for one, and our own industry accom- 
plishing the other. It was ten o'clock when the start was 
made, but alas for human expectations! In vain were all 
of our burnishings, for the mud, Georgetown-way, was sim- 
ply bottomless, and long ere the latter city was reached, the 
Thirty-ninth looked even worse than it did when Tenally- 
town was attained, though in their anxiety to retain the 
morning's polish, in several cases dividing fences were 
broken down that men might march between the street- 
fence and the houses, thus getting out of some of the mud. 
The ineffective rage of some of the protesting housewives 
is still remembered. But an excess of mud and water could 



68 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

not efface the results of months of the hardest kind of 
discipline and when "company front, by the right into Hne" 
was heard, it was obeyed with a readiness and unanimity 
that would have delighted the great Frederick and, baggage- 
burdened, mud-bespattered and wearied with forty-eight 
hours of most trying marching, the Regiment acquitted 
itself most admirably through the streets and avenues of 
Washington. At last the men realized the value of their 
arduous labors on the drilling-grounds of Poolesville; they 
believed in their Colonel and his associate officers, and when 
they saw their lines as an arrow straight, every one, in 
spite of all obstacles, keeping perfect step, best of all 
they believed in themselves. 



WASHINGTON. 

The halting place was Martindale Barracks, named thus 
for General John H. Martindale who, a West Pointer from 
New York (1835), had won distinguished honors in the 
Peninsular campaign and, from the preceding November, 
had been Military Governor of Washington. The barracks, 
themselves, large and roomy, were located near the"circle," 
so called, where Washington and New Hampshire Avenues 
intercept Twenty- third Street, all being to the Northwest of 
the White House. The men had no difficulty in recognizing 
the equestrian statue of Washington, by Clark Mills, which, 
since February, 1860, had stood as the principal figure in 
the Circle. The buildings to be occupied by the Thirty- 
ninth were new, well ventilated and lighted, having all 
reasonable conveniences, two stories in height, the first 
for officer's quarters, cooking and dining rooms, while in 
the second story were the best of accommodations for the 
men. The quarters had been occupied hitherto by one 
regiment only, the One Hundred and sixty-ninth New York, 
which having reported in Washington, in October, '62, 
had been doing provost duty until a few days before when 



Apr., '63 Washington 69 

it was ordered to proceed southward to assist General 
John J. Peck in the defense of Suffolk, Virginia. The 
hospital, large and well equipped, won the admiration of 
the men though, fortunately, there were few occupants 
during the regiment's stay in the city. 

Such were the new appointments to which the Thirty- 
ninth was commended, something of a change from its 
former rural surroundings, and a new course of duties was 
about to be undertaken, though hardly had the brightening 
up of uniforms and equipments begun ere orders came to 
stay proceedings, for the regiment was to proceed at once 
to Fortress Monroe, possibly to have a part in the Suffolk 
campaign. Had this order not been countermanded and 
the organization had followed after the One Hundred and 
Sixty-ninth New York, and had participated in the latter's 
services, while the Thirty-ninth would have had enough to 
do, it would have entirely escaped the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania, Weldon Railroad and other experiences which make 
up its thrilling war history. Once more settled in their 
new quarters, confident that provost work in the Capital 
is before them for an unknown period, the men proceed 
to brunish up their weapons, to wash, brush and brighten 
their uniforms and by the time for dress parade, at the 
close of this first day in Washington, the closest observer 
could not have detected any traces of the tribulations 
through which the soldiers had so recently passed. 

It is a life of rigid routine to which the regiment is now 
committed ; military coven tionalities in the highest degree 
are to be the rule for nearly three months; no more "Go as 
you please" when on picket, nor the free and easy condi- 
tions of the Poolesville camp for, seemingly, the eyes of 
the public are on every man and he must be in the stiffest 
form of polished brasses, dustless apparel and shiny shoes. 
The discipline that was thought so severe before, now be- 
comes doubly so. Reveille sounds at 5.30 a. m. and 
thence onward till 8 o'clock, save for breakfast, the detailed 
men are preparing for inspection, which takes place at the 



70 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

office of the provost marshal, Captain Todd. When on 
duty, the utmost punctiliousness is demanded and, if the 
men of the Thirty-ninth do not approach perfection, it will 
not be the fault of the regulations nor of the officers who 
direct. To such an extent are the polishing and shining of 
the rifles carried that some of the men are actually afraid 
that they will wear the barrels out by such constant attri- 
tion. When fully settled into the system of provost and 
other forms of duty, much of the old time drill is suspended, 
but there is something to do every day, as much as if the 
men were laboring in a shop, at the desk or on a farm. 

The chief exhibition occasions are those of dress parade 
when distinguished people are not unlikely to appear. At 
such times. President Lincoln is seen, and Senator Henry 
Watson, that Massachusetts man of the people, is not an 
unusual figure. Is Colonel Davis proud of his men? Rather, 
how his face lights up at the immediate and perfect response 
to his commands, and every movement of the long line of 
soldiers is an effectual refutation of the stilted idea that 
well informed men cannot make good soldiers. Indeed 
the entire war was proof convincing that thinking bayo- 
nets are the most reliable. Of the satisfying spectacle of 
dress parade, an observer of the time comments, "So per- 
fect and strict were the drill and personal appearance that 
in our line, of from eight hundred to nine hundred men, 
not the slightest difference could be detected in any move- 
ment from one flank to the other, as if performed by one 
man, and, in that test of perfect drill, 'Order arms,' though 
on a brick sidewalk, not one musket was behind the other, 
all striking with one crash, which startled the spectators, 
resembling a perfect volley of musketry." 

It was a great change from picketing the banks of the 
Potomac and doing guard duty about the Poolesville 
region, to patrolling the thoroughfares of Washington and 
guarding such points as the War Department, the White 
House, the offices of the paymaster and quartermaster 
general, General Heintzelman's Headquarters, the medical 



Apr., '63 Washington 71 

purveyor, the post office, the headquarters for forage, 
corrals for horses and mules, contraband camps, courts- 
martial and other places of kindred character. The men 
who had all of these duties to look after grew to consider 
Washington a paradise for officers not on duty, but quite 
the reverse for the enlisted man. The former could come 
and go at his own sweet will while the latter, if he got a pass 
at all, was subjected to so many conditions that more than 
half of the pleasure was lost. 

At the same time, in one way or another, the Regiment 
grew to know Washington pretty well; the most of the 
notable points were inspected and the young men from 
far away homes took pleasure in seeing the evidences of 
real home life on every hand; said one of them, " It seems 
good to be in civilization once more." The 21st of April 
brought the New Hampshire friends of Poolesville memory 
and those beholding bade the Fourteenth a hearty welcome; 
the regiment was assigned to quarters on New York Avenue, 
its principal duty being the care of the Central guard house; 
a fact that resulted most happily when Lieut. Carroll D. 
Wright, subsequently colonel, was in charge, for certain 
inconsiderate members of Scott's Nine Hundred, having 
run in some of the Thirty-ninth's men, without sufficient 
reason, that very efficient officer released the prisoners at 
once, the incident being the only one in which our Massa- 
chusetts men were even temporarily under arrest in Wash- 
ington. The two regiments partook of the neighborliness, 
so long characteristic of the states whence they had come. 

Many a soldier boy made mention of the fact that on 
the 22nd Uncle Sam's paymaster happened around and left 
four months' compensation, squaring accounts to the first 
of March, and with "plenty of money in our pockets" 
even provost guards could be gay and happy. An indica- 
tion of the steadiness of at least some of the men is found 
when a diarist writes of the city division of the Sons of 
Temperance and the cordial reception accorded him and 
the lieutenant who accompanied him; later the same writer 



72 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

states that a large number of soldiers were present; not all 
soldiers were or are dissolute. In these days the objects 
of interest were pretty thoroughly inspected and many a 
lad thought his blue coat quite in place in the President's 
blue room; and few items near escaped them. They even 
noted the cow that furnished the milk for the President's 
family, and some admired the equestrian Jackson, nearly 
opposite the White House; they threaded the mazes of 
the Smithsonian Institute, lingering longest over Catlin's 
wonderful collection of Indian faces, and one recites his 
pleasure at meeting Frank Brownell, the slayer of Jackson, 
the Mansion House murderer of Colonel Ellsworth of the 
New York Fire Zouaves. On the 28th the shoulder-scales 
that became a part of the display-uniform thereafter were 
dealt out, a fact that secured for the Thirty-ninth the repu- 
tation from certain ignorant fellows of being a regiment of 
major generals. The month ended with a general observ- 
ance of the National Fast Day appointed by the President 
in compliance with a request of the National Senate that 
he set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation. 

May found everbody intent on the struggle which Union 
and Confederate soldiers were waging on the banks of the 
Rappahannock. Hooker, who had been preparing since 
the last of January, had begun the campaign which Union- 
loving people were wishing would atone for the disaster of 
December at Fredericksburg. Again the latter name be- 
came familiar to the national ear, and these Massachusetts 
men in Washington believed that their fellow native of the 
Bay State would atone for some of the earlier misfortunes. 
Incidentally much extra work came to the regiment in the 
care of rebel prisoners, whom the Federals captured in the 
later days of April and the earlier ones of May. Also, it 
was the task of the Thirty-ninth to escort many of the 
captives to more or less remote points for permanent reten- 
tion. Another duty was that of returning to the army 
at the front large relays of deserters, many of whom had 
returned under the general amnesty proclaimed for them, 



May, '63 Washington 73 

and in visting Fredericksburg for this purpose, the escort 
had a chance to see what real war meant. While follow- 
ing the forces in the field up to and through Chancellors- 
ville, there was no lessening of local occupation and all 
articles of wearing apparel had to be kept just as bright as 
ever. 

On the 10th much attention was attracted by the funeral 
procession of General A. W. Whipple, one of the victims 
of Chancellorsville, having been shot on the 4th, though 
he survived till the 7th. A native of Greenwich, Massa- 
chusetts, he was graduated at West Point, 1841, and his 
fellow Massachusetts soldiers felt almost a personal interest 
in the tokens of respect as the procession passed, including, 
among many other distinguished public officers. President 
Lincoln; the pall-bearers were eight first sergeants from 
the Thirty-ninth Regiment, For many years, thereafter, 
one of the great forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac 
was to bear his name. Those of the Regiment, not on other 
duty on the 11th and 12th, had the benefit of one of the 
periodical scares liable to any locality near the seat of war. 
Just before dress parade on the earlier date, at a quarter 
of six, orders came to have the Regiment ready to march to 
the Chain Bridge, the most northerly of the three great 
connections between the District and Virginia. After 
supper, with rubber blankets and overcoats properly slung, 
the men were in line, prepared for the order to advance to 
repel any possible rebel raid. The bridge is about five miles 
from the barracks and the troops reached that point soon 
after 10 p. m. No sign of any enemy appearing, they 
stacked arms by the roadside and proceeded to get what 
rest they could from the materials in their possession, every 
one taking the trip as a mild kind of lark. At an early 
hour of the 12th the return march was made by the men, 
tired and dusty, though they were quite prepared for the 
eight o'clock breakfast which the cooks had in readiness. 

It was not all work in Washington; there were pranks 
by the score, and now and then one was written down in 



74 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

the book of someone's recollection, — witness the follow- 
ing: "a corporal of Company A with a guard was detailed 
to look after certain condemned goods some two miles out; 
with stripes and chevrons he was as slick and dapper a 
youth as ever wore a uniform. Without a cent in his poc- 
ket, and his entire party of twelve men equally lacking, he 
took them all to the theatre to see Maggie Mitchell play 
'Little Barefoot'; he had said to the men, 'Be ready at 
seven o'clock, sharp, with shoes blacked and with brass scales 
on shoulders, the U. S. on the belts, well polished. ' They 
obeyed and were marched off the grounds and along Penn- 
sylvania Ave., the Corporal saluting any patrol they 
chanced to meet, right up to the theatre, itself; past the 
ticket-office, and when tickets for the company were de- 
manded, the natty corporal threatened to arrest any one 
venturing to halt or impede his men, so in they went to 
the very best seats in the building, two dollar ones, and 
there he seated his squad. Never was play better enjoyed 
and when, at 9 o'clock or later, a lieutenant of cavalry 
looked the house over in search of parties without proper 
credentials, the corporal rose and, like a veritable Crich- 
ton, saluted; how could any officer disturb such serenity 
and immaculateness? He asked no questions; not a boy 
in the party understood the circumstances under which 
they were having the time of their lives, and the return 
was quite as successful as the going; the whole affair, a 
triumph of unqualified bluff and cheek." 

Very likely many good veterans never knew that the 
Northern soldiers in Washington maintained an active 
Division of the Sons of Temperance, having their meetings 
in Odd Fellows Hall, corner of Nineteenth Street and Penn- 
sylvania Avenue, and that, on public occasions, no branch 
of the order turned out more men. Several officers and 
men of the Thirty-ninth were deeply interested in the 
society, and one of them records with some evident satis- 
faction the fact that he had closed a rum hole and arrested 
the keeper, making one less source of temptation. On the 



May 24, '63 Washington 75 

24th the boys from New England, with eyes alert for any- 
thing savoring of home, discover the passing of the Eleventh 
Massachusetts Battery, the Commonwealth's only Nine 
Months' Artillery organization, on its way homeward. 
Naturally the exchange of greetings was most hearty. 
On meeting Major S. E. Chamberlain of the First Massachu- 
setts Cavalry, only recently severely wounded, yet out 
and ready to return, an admirer writes, "If the service 
were made up of officers like him, more would be done 
towards putting down the Rebellion." 

Pay-day came on the 28th, and the promptness of the 
Government won no end of praise from the always impe- 
cunious soldiers, a feeling that they were disposed at a 
later time to considerably moderate. 

The crowning event of the end of the month was the 
joint drill of the Regiment along with the Fourteenth 
New Hampshire some three miles away, in the rear of Mt, 
Pleasant Hospital on Fourteenth Street. It was hot and 
dusty, there having been no rain for three weeks, but the 
men were put through their evolutions by Brig. General 
Martindale, in a manner that evidently met his approval, 
whatever those exercised may have thought of it. White 
gloves and shiny scales suffered from the heat and dust 
laden air, but the men bore ample testimony to the quality 
of the drill on the old Poolesville grounds. However, the 
principal honors came when the return was made, for though 
the route step was allowed until the heart of the city was 
reached, then came the display moment and, in column of 
companies, the Regiment wheeled into Pennsylvania Avenue 
with the precision of a machine, winning the applause of 
the crowd of officers who were occupying the piazzas of 
Willard's Hotel; and without music, but with the regular 
tramp, tramp, that drill alone can impart, the men marched 
to their quarters with an added notch in their apprecia- 
tion of what the Thirty-ninth could do. 

In the way of dust and heat, June was to be a trying 
month for the men who had to keep themselves in the very 



76 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

primmest form possible, since to be neat and speckless 
was deemed the highest attainment of a soldier in town. 
In those days there was voting by the citizens on local 
matters and the drift of the ballots cast on the first day of 
the month gave indications of a large secession spirit in 
the city. On the second day, the Thirty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts appeared in Washington for the performance of 
duties, similar to those already falling to the lot of the 
Thirty-ninth. Though from Worcester County and Berk- 
shire there was the common bond of statehood, and the 
Thirty-fourth also prided itself no little on its discipline 
and well drilled ranks. One of the members of the Thirty- 
ninth comments on the hardness of appearance of some 
of the prisoners whom he had to watch over and remarks 
that, at the window by his beat is a girl, about eighteen 
years old, who is a rebel spy, and that for five months she 
was a corporal in the Union ranks. Of this same person, 
Colonel Lincoln in his story of the Thirty-fourth relates 
that, to curb her and keep her within bounds, one of his 
officers was obliged to handcuff her. 

So far as the amenities of Washington life for the regi- 
ment were concerned, nothing contributed more than the 
evenings spent in connection with the Sons of Temperance 
organization, of which something might be said in addition 
to former items. Formed in the Poolesville camp during 
the preceding winter, it had been chartered by the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts and was known as Army Lodge, 
Number 39, and after reaching the Capital, its member- 
ship increased to about two hundred. No better indication 
of the moral quality of the regiment could be found. 
Similar organizations among the residents of the city were 
especially hospitable, and invitations to all sorts of en- 
tertainment were of frequent occurrence. A festival on 
the 12th, where not only the delicacies of the season were 
served, but where literary and elocutionary ability were 
displayed, was long memorable in regimental circles. Also 
long remembered was Monday, the 15th, when large de- 



June 15, '63 Washington 77 

tails assisted in bearing to the several hospitals the griev- 
ously wounded from Chancellorsville, many of whom had 
been lying on the field for almost two weeks with scant 
attention, some having suffered the amputation of limbs 
at the hands of Confederate surgeons. Carried upon 
stretchers as gently as possible, some of them fully two 
miles, through the intense heat, some died on the way, 
many more soon after arriving While people along the 
route did all that they could do to alleviate their suffering, 
the condition of these unfortunate men was a startling 
lesson to all of the awful possibilities of war. 

It would be very strange if the guarding of the White 
House grounds did not occasion some meetings with the 
President. Of William S. Sumner, Company H, a second 
cousin of Senator Charles Sumner, the following is related: 
He had been stationed at a path, leading across a recently 
seeded lawn, the path having formed a short cut to one 
of the departments. Several officers had been turned back, 
when Sumner saw the president approaching to take the 
cut-off himself. He was promptly halted when the Presi- 
dent exclaimed, "What's up, Sentry?" To this, the sentinel 
replied, "The grass is up, Mr. Lincoln." Looking down at 
his feet, the president said, "Some of it would be down, if 
I crossed over the lawn. I gave the order to place a sentinel 
here and I am just ready to be an offender," He com- 
mended the soldier for obeying his orders so strictly, even 
to halting the President, and Sumner was also commended 
by his own officers. Later when a comrade of his company 
had obtained a sick furlough and could not secure trans- 
portation, Sumner went with him to the White House, to 
present the case to Mr. Lincoln, who, remembering the 
incident of the hold-up at the lawn, readily wrote a line 
to the quartermaster which speedily brought the desired 
means of going home. 

The campaign which was to reach its culmination at 
Gettysburg was well under way. Lee was headed north- 
ward and Union Governors were speeding troops towards 



78 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

the South to assist in driving him back. Naturally, expec- 
tation was at fever heat and every rumor simply added to 
the excitement. Some of the men who visited Baltimore 
to escort thither certain prisoners found the city with barri- 
cades in the streets and negroes working on fortifications, 
all under the apprehension of the coming of the rebel army. 
Friday, the 26th, under the tidings that the enemy was 
near Fort Massachusetts, north of Georgetown, the regi- 
ment was ordered to be in readiness to move at a moment's 
notice. Ammunition was given out and, in light march- 
ing order, the men were excitedly expectant when the order 
came to turn in and "snooze." As the sequel showed, had 
the Thirty-ninth and other regiments marched out beyond 
Tenallytown, a great wagon-train might have been saved, 
but those in command had not the power of reading the 
future. 

How near the men came to meeting Stuart's Cavalry 
appeared a little later. Rumors were afloat as to some 
sort of disaster on the Maryland side of the Potomac and 
not so very far away from the District. The result was 
that late at night, orders were received to start at once for 
the scene of depredation and after a rapid march of several 
miles beyond the Chain Bridge, line of battle was formed 
at about two o'clock in the morning of the 29th. If all 
concerned could have known that the terrible Stuart and 
his men were many miles away at the time, with no thought 
whatever of molesting Washington or its defenders, very 
likely the impromptu bivouac or "In place, rest" might 
have been more comfortable than it really was. The event, 
in which any act on the part of the regiment was altogether 
lacking, was one more of those audacious deeds for which 
the Confederate Kleber was famous. Crossing the Potomac 
at Rowser's Ford somewhat south of Poolesville, under 
the most difficult circumstances, early in the morning of 
the 28th, he rode east to Rockville, whence a detachment, 
a very small one, dashing towards the District, encoun- 
tered a wagon-train of one hundred and twenty-five vehicles, 



June 28, '63 Washington 79 

heavily loaded, on their way to supply the Union Army, 
then marching towards the north. Though Stuart was 
able to retain the train and to take it with him into Penn- 
sylvania, the delays occasioned by it rendered him and 
his men much less efficient in the great encounter at 
Gettysburg than they might have been otherwise. 

The resignation of General Hooker from the command 
of the Army of the Potomac had produced many an expres- 
sion of regret among the rank and file throughout the army, 
but especially were regrets expressed among the men reared 
in Massachusetts, the boyhood's home of "Fighting Joe." 
With the steady progress of the rival armies northward, 
it was apparent that a great battle was impending, and 
that all available troops would be called into the fray, 
though the demand did not come quite as early as expected. 
While on the banks of the Mississippi, Vicksburg, and 
around the quiet Pennsylvanian city, Gettysburg, were 
acquiring new significance in the world's history, the capi- 
tal city, Washington, was preparing for the celebration of 
the 4th of July, just as if that were the only matter of im- 
portance. To begin with, all guards and patrols were 
reduced one half in numbers, thus leaving a larger force 
to participate in the parade. The military escort consisted 
of the Second District of Columbia Volunteers, the Four- 
teenth New Hampshire, the Thirty-fourth and Thirty- 
ninth Massachusetts Regiments. The civic organizations 
of the city looked and marched their best; the Marine 
Band discoursed the kind of music for which it was famous. 
Added interest might have been given to the day, had 
news from the two great battles, just fought and won, ar- 
rived in time. They would have given the celebration 
the greatest cause for enthusiasm ever had by an Indepen- 
dence Day, not accepting the first one of all. One prosaic 
participant comments only this, "We marched from seven- 
thirty to one o'clock ; the sun terribly hot. " So far as the mil- 
itary features were concerned, the day ended at the Provost 
marshal's office, where all were reviewed by Generals 



80 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Helntzelman and Martindale. On reaching their quarters, 
the soldiers were regaled with as good a dinner as their 
cooks were able to provide. Another loyal Bay Stater 
entered on his book these characteristic words, "It was 
very well, but nothing when compared with Boston cele- 
brations." 

Sunday, the 5th, brought to the city general Daniel E. 
Sickles, minus the leg which he lost on the second day of 
Gettysburg, out by the peach orchard. A detachment of 
the Thirty-ninth met the distinguished officer and escorted 
him to his home. Official news of the surrender of Vicks- 
burg to General Grant was received on the 7th and loyal 
Washington went wild with marching columns serenading 
prominent officials and with the general illumination, the 
Martindale Barracks not accepted. President Lincoln, 
members of his Cabinet and Major General Halleck were 
called on and each one responded with an appropriate 
speech. On the 9th came the orders which, long expected, 
were not unwelcome, for, though the Washington tour of 
duty was free from long marches, the risk of battle and 
the privations of camp, there was ever the thought that 
the service was not strictly ideal for real soldiers, hence 
the willingness with which dress coats and other form of 
superfluous clothing were packed against their possible 
need in the following winter. Contents for the knapsacks 
were chosen with considerable more judgment than would 
have been used nine months before. 

JOINING THE POTOMAC ARMY 

It was about eight o'clock in the evening when the Regi- 
ment formed line for the last time on the parade ground and 
the men marched off for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 
station. The drums were beating and laughter and shout- 
ing were quite in contrast with the solemn demeanor of 
former passages through Washington, then intent on mak- 
ing and retaining a reputation for discipline and self control. 



July 10, '63 Joining the Potomac Army 81 

At the station there was a considerable wait for the Thirty- 
fourth Massachusetts and two batteries which were to 
accompany us. Hence it was late of the ninth or, rather 
early in the morning of the 10th, before the start from 
the city was made. Seven hundred and fifty strong, a large 
shrinkage for the nine months of peaceful service, loaded 
upon freight cars, the Regiment w^as headed for Harper's 
Ferry. All sorts of items made the journey long and tedi- 
ous; says one of the boys, "The locomotive came near 
running over a 'nigger'; the train broke in two; one of the 
cars ran off the track," and another observer comments 
on the heat and closeness of the night and cars. The ride 
during the day was varied with characteristic incidents 
of the halts where efforts were made to secure food from 
nearby houses; at Frederic Junction where a branch road 
runs up to the city, made famous by Barbara Frietchie 
and Whittier, other troops joined the train and the same 
sped on to its destination, not exactly the Ferry itself, but 
Sandy Hook, the Maryland village opposite. 

Darkness had settled down when the train reached the 
point of unloading, and the debarkation was effected with 
every one wishing he could see the wonderful panorama 
that the place afforded, but before the scenery could be 
enjoyed there was the biggest climb before the men that 
they had ever undertaken. The road was only an apology 
for one, though its mud was deep and adhesive; following 
closely one's file leader was necessary, if a man would keep 
in the procession. Finally there came a real climb up a 
mountain's side with every man for himself, until there 
was a blessed emergence on a plateau where, mud encrusted, 
the men threw themselves upon the ground and slept the 
sleep of exhaustion. The sun of the 11th, was well up the 
the sky, ere the wearied climbers awoke to admire the scene 
developed around them. It did not matter much at what 
time the waking came, since there were no rations and the 
company cooks had no facilities for cooking even were 
rations ready. It was not till a large detail had gone down 



82 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to the railroad and brought hence the hardtack, coffee and 
pork, that eating could be resumed, each one becoming his 
own cook, though some of the soldiers declared that a 
twenty-four hours' fast, along with unusual exertion had 
made the repast the most appetising they had eaten in 
months. 

Those thus inclined had a chance to view a landscape 
which had engaged the attention of Washington and 
Jefferson, and which in more recent times had been the 
observatory of John Brown, previous to the raid which, 
without doubt, had helped precipitate the great conflict. 
Down along the opposite banks of the Potomac were the 
blackened ruins of the great armory, where had been made 
so many guns, now in the hands of the enemy, and nearer 
the middle of the village was the fire-engine house which 
was to go down into history as the "John Brown Fort." 
At Harper's Ferry, the Shenandoah joins the Potomac, and, 
as a point of vantage, it had been held by both rebel and 
Federal. A year before, the place had been given up by 
Col. D. S. Miles to Stonewall Jackson, and is now in Con- 
federate possession, though the hurried construction of a 
bridge across the Shenandoah indicates a disposition on 
the part of the men in gray to depart. The retreat of Lee 
from Gettysburg had involved the entire region in uncer- 
tainty, hence the ordering out of regiments from Washing- 
ton, and the presence in the immediate locality of the 
Eighth, Forty-sixth and Fifty-first Massachusetts, nine 
months' regiments, which on their way home from North 
Carolina were shunted off into this section, along with the 
Thirty-ninth, forming a brigade under the command of 
General Henry S. Briggs, first colonel of the Tenth Infantry, 
also a Bay State organization. 

While individuals might improve the opportunity to 
admire the locality and to secure whatever the vicinity 
afforded in the way of food, it was not a tour of observation 
that took these men to this elevated section, and about 
noon of Sunday, the 12th, came orders to move, but ac- 



July 12, '63 At the Front 83 

cording to traditional custom, the order was not carried 
out until six o'clock. The march of the preceding night 
had convinced many that they were too heavily laden, 
and there being near the camp an elderly gentleman of a 
most obliging nature, he consented to take charge of bun- 
dles which the men made up, and, carefully marked, left 
in his care, to be called for later. Of course many who re- 
lieved themselves of burdens never called for their posses- 
sions and the most of them thought the man himself would 
become tired of his charge; but when years afterwards, a 
Woburn veteran tried the experiment of writing for his 
package, it came back to him forthwith, a remarkable 
tribute to the honesty and system of the man. During 
the ensuing night very many, who had not thus anticipated 
the exactions of the march, lessened their burdens by throw- 
ing away what had become intolerable. 

The roads, trod by new regiments, were always marked by 
just such evidence of the lessons of experience. The regi- 
ments thus starting were the Eighth, Forty-sixth, Fifty- 
first and Thirty-ninth Massachusetts, forming the Fourth 
Provisional Brigade of the Second Division, First Army 
Corps; the respective commanders being Generals John 
Newton of the corps, John C. Robinson of the division, and 
Henry S. Briggs of the brigade. The Thirty-fourth, which 
had accompanied the Thirty-ninth from Baltimore, re- 
mained and gave the parting good word as the Thirty- 
ninth departed, the two organizations not to meet again 
until the homeward march through Richmond in 1865. 



AT THE FRONT 

When a brigade advances, all portions thereof do not, 
cannot move at once, hence it was fully nine o'clock in the 
evening of the 12th, before all were fully under way. It is a 
forced march on which the soldiers are entering, and those 
who are keeping the run of events will merge the 12th and 



84 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

13th together, there being no good stopping place between 
them. As one writer expresses it, "up hill and down, so 
dark that we can scarcely see, all night, right up to 5 o'clock 
in the morning, when we halt for rest and breakfast in a 
belt of woods, about two miles from Boonsboro."* The 
trials of that night were long matters of reference, blankets 
were thrown away, so heavy did they become under the 
severe strain to which all were subjected. When the halt 
came, many threw themselves upon the ground for sleep, 
rather than prepare their coffee, the prime source of strength 
to the campaigner, and some of those who did set about 
breakfast getting immediately fell asleep over the task, 
so completely worn out were the marchers by the exactions 
of the night. 

Nor was the end yet, since all too soon for the tired soldiers 
the sound of "assembly" calls them into the ranks and 
"forward" is again the word. To crown their discomforts, 
rain begins to fall and the mud to deepen, as the ranks once 
more press forward through Boonsboro, and thence over 
ways trodden by the participants in the Antietam battle 
of the year before, the men obey orders and, being at the 
right of the brigade, they pretty effectually distance their 
friends in the other regiments and, finding themselves 
practically alone, they are obliged to halt and await the 
coming up of the remainder of the brigade; so thorough 
had been the disciplinary drills on the Poolesville parade, 
the men of the Thirty-ninth were equal to almost any 
exaction. The termination of the long march was Funks- 
town, an insignificant Maryland village, important only 
as the point near which was stationed a part of the Army 
of the Potomac, all awaiting the word to advance against 



*It was during this strenuous night that General Briggs imparted to the 
Thirty-ninth men near him, acting as bodyguard, the interesting item that 
an old farmhouse near them was the very one in which "Old John Brown," 
in October, 1859, had assembled his followers and whence, during the night of 
the I7th, they went to the attack on Harper's Ferry. As the Kennedy farm, 
the place of rendezvous, was within sight of Boonsboro, it is not improbable 
that the morning's halt was near the historic building. 



July 13, '63 At the Front 85 

Lee, whose forces had been unable to recross the Potomac, 
on account of the heavy rains, which had greatly swollen 
the waters of that important stream. 

Also the name had been heard a year before, when the 
Battle of Antietam had for the first time given Funkstown 
distinction, otherwise it might have slumbered a thousand 
years with no signs of awakening. To the wearied men of 
the Thirty-ninth who, in twenty hours or less, had tra- 
versed through rain and mud from twenty-five to thirty 
miles of wretched roads any sort of place was agreeable 
for a terminal, and they were glad to hear the command 
"Halt," and the subsequent direction to pitch tents was 
equally grateful. Those that could turned in early, but 
those unlucky ones who had to stand guard faced their 
duty grimly, realizing that war was not altogether fun. 
A skirmish line actively engaged, out towards the lines of 
the enemy, gave to these inexperienced soldiers just the 
least foretaste of what hostile bullets meant. There was 
a general feeling that the morrow^ would bring the clash 
of arms, and that the days of preparation were over. Ten 
days after Gettysburg, the Confederates, at bay between 
the river and the Federals, must either fight, drown or 
surrender. 

Lieut. Colonel Peirson who, when a member of the 
Twentieth Massachusetts had served on the staff of Gen- 
eral Sedgwick, now com.manding the Sixth A.rmy Corps, 
naturally improved the opportunity to call upon his former 
leader. Our officer was received most kindly and the situa- 
tion was freely discussed, the General saying that he had 
just returned from a conference of all the general officers, 
at which it was decided that it was then inexpedient to 
attack Lee, his force being about as large as our own and 
his position for defense being stronger than ours for attack. 
So depleted were the regiments by the great battle, so 
recently fought, the Thirty-ninth was as large as almost 
any brigade. Years later, on meeting General Meade in 
Boston, the decision of the conference was confirmed, the 



86 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Potomac Army Commander telling Colonel Peirson that 
the risk involved was considered too great. Of course of 
this the rank and file, wondering when the orders to attack 
would be heard, knew nothing. 

The dawn of Tuesday, the 14th, revealed an entirely 
different situation; the Confederates, afar from their case 
of supplies, impoverished as to ammunition by the demands 
of Gettsyburg, hence in no condition to attack even if so 
disposed, had worked industriously all of Monday, the 
13th, in constructing a pontoon bridge across the Potomac, 
at Falling Waters, over which they had withdrawn during 
the night. To the rank and file, the situation did not 
appeal as it did to those in command who saw in the es- 
cape of the enemy the possible results of the fierce engage- 
ment at Gettysburg vanish away. Men with guns, as 
they advanced, were not encountering the expected opposi- 
tion and finally, when in the afternoon Williamsport was 
reached and still no sight of the foe, the dullest man in line 
realized that the fight for that day was off. One of the 
observers inscribes in his diary these reflections, " If we had 
attacked the rebels yesterday, we might have made great 
havoc among them, crossing the river, but, as it is, we prob- 
ably will have to follow them into Virginia; pitched our 
tents, cooked some coffee and went to sleep." Another 
commentator remarks, "The Somerville (E) Company is 
detailed as guard at General Newton's headquarters." 

History is now repeat to itself, since Lee with his army 
is moving up the Shenandoah Valley as he did after Antie- 
tam, while Meade and the Union army will follow the 
route of McClellan along the eastern side of the Blue 
Ridge, appearing at each one of the successive gaps through 
which the Confederates might essay a passage on their 
return to their former stamping grounds. With what 
might have had been, had Meade done this or that, we have 
no more to do than with the events which followed Antie- 
tam, and a like dilatoriness on the part of McClellan in 
moving immediatley on the enemy's works. Our present 



July 14, '63 At the Front 87 

concern Is with and for the Thirty-ninth Regiment which 
hears the reveille at five o'clock in the morning of the 15th, 
with the injunction to be ready to march in twenty minutes, 
a command which resulted in a start at six o'clock. The 
day is hot and sultry, the pace rapid and again men rid 
themselves of everything possible to lighten their burdens 
as they hasten over the dusty Maryland roads. Funks- 
town is again sighted, though on the right, and the battle- 
line of the day before is hurriedly passed. The gory field 
of Antietam, where so many of the blue and the gray 
mingled their life-blood, is also recognized and a halt is 
called near Antietam Creek. 

One of the early incidents of the day's march was the 
meeting of the Sixth Corps and the First, rendering it 
necessary for the two bodies to pass each other at nearly 
right angles. The writer also notes the peculiar coinci- 
dence that this passage of the Thirty-ninth was effected 
through the ranks of the Thirty-seventh, a Western Massa- 
chusetts regiment; just a chance to say "Good-morning 
and Good-bye," all in the same breath. It was on this 
day's march also that the news came of the fall of Port 
Hudson and the bloody combats before Charleston, South 
Carolina. Burnside's bridge, over the Antietam, is crossed 
in the opposite direction from that taken by that leader a 
year ago and the hurried way is pursued through Keedys- 
ville to Rohersville where the camp is pitched for the night. 
It has been a hard day, with a record of fully twenty-five 
sun-broiling miles passed over, and to crown the miseries 
of the march, rations are scarce, in most cases entirely 
lacking. The story is told that a goose was appropriated 
on the way, with the hope that soon opportunity might 
be found for cooking it, but the wearied men, successively, 
grew tired of carrying it and its body was left for some 
luckier party, nearer the rear of the line, to enjoy on reach- 
ing camp. The strain must be excessive which will cause 
a soldier to throw away an edible luxury. 



88 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

As usual, the bugle summons the men from repose at 
an early hour on the 17th and not a little rejoicing follows 
the announcement that rations are to be drawn, so that 
the day's exactions will begin on full stomachs. At not 
quite so brisk a rate as that of yesterday, the route con- 
tinues through Crampton's Gap, on to a hillside near 
Petersville, not far from Catoctin Creek, a name often 
heard in stories of the locality. Berlin, a village somewhat 
below Harper's Ferry on the Potomac, is the name of the 
nearest river point, and all are pleased at the chance to 
pitch their shelter tens, to rest, to clean up clothing and 
weapons, and to realize that the soldier is not always on 
the march. It was at this point that the chaplain and the 
men who had been left in Washington rejoined the regi- 
ment. The I7th of July introduces the variation of a heavy 
rain, yet this does not prevent our active men from visit- 
ing neighboring regiments whose depleted condition con- 
trasts vividly with the full ranks of the newly arrived. 
Says one visitor, "Some of the old regiments do not num- 
ber more than our one company." On this day, obedient 
to orders, the Fifty-first Regiment takes its departure 
for the North and its muster-out, its entire tour of duty 
from the first of the month having been over and above 
the time called for by its term of enlistment. 

The assembling of a great army is ever a magnificent 
sight, and that presented by the several corps of the Poto- 
mac Army, awaiting the laying of pontoon bridges across 
the Potomac for the use of this great array of humanity, 
forms no exception, a glorious sight even though seen 
through showers of rain. It is the period also of wheat- 
harvest and, notwithstanding the moisture, something 
of an idea is obtained of how the staff-of-Iife looks in its 
earlier stages. There is a deal of talk among the soldiers 
as to how they ought to have fought and finished Lee, many 
of them believing that the end of the Rebellion might 
have been effected at or near Williamsport. By the 18th, 
the bridges being in readiness, early orders are given that 



July 17, '63 In Virginia 89 

all must be ready to advance at four o'clock, and for a wonder 
the start is only half an hour behind the appointment. 
The Fifth Corps and the cavalry crossed last night. The 
Forty-sixth Massachusetts, one of the nine months' 
regiments, accompanying us all the way round from Mary- 
land Heights, is but a few rods from the river, when orders 
are received to fall out and proceed immediately to Balti- 
more and so Northward; for some reason, the Eighth 
Massachusetts, in the same category, still continues in 
line. It was in these days that certain of the regiment, 
thinking themselves so far from the region of military pre- 
cision they might essay a little abandon of style, attempted 
to wear the "bell-hats," worn by some regiments, in place 
of the visored, regulation caps required where style was 
effected, but the Colonel would have none of it and to trade 
back was the next thing necessary. 



IN VIRGINIA 

Quite nine months have passed since that hurried de- 
parture from Arlington for the Maryland side of old Poto- 
mac's shore and now, on the 18th of July, the sacred soil 
is again trodden by Massachusetts feet as the regiment 
takes its way through a section that fairly captivates the 
eyes of these men so far from home and, after a march of 
possibly thirteen miles, the lovely village of Waterford 
is reached at about two o'clock in the afternoon. Consider- 
ing the unusual beauty of the village, its marked similarity 
to just such assemblages of dwellings in the North, the 
surprise of the visitors is not so great when they learn 
that the place has furnished two full companies of soldiers 
for the Union army. After a good night's rest, at 6 a. m, of 
Sunday, the 19th, the regiment passed through the village, 
keeping step to patriotic airs, while the people displayed 
Union flags and cheered the passing men in blue ; the scene 



90 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

would hardly have been different, were they in one of their 
own Northern towns. Through a continuation of yester- 
day's scenic beauties, the march is made to the village of 
Hamilton fifteen miles away, also a beautiful place, and 
here the halt is made under trees so umbrageous that tents 
are unnecessary, all declaring it the very best camping 
place yet. The neighboring fields abound in seemingly 
endless quantities of blackberries of which the hungry sol- 
diers proceed to eat their fill, not only satisfying hunger 
but proving an excellent specific for certain ailments inci- 
dent to the season. Had the officers purposely directed 
the army this way, they could have done nothing more 
opportune for the health of the men. What Northern 
home is ignorant of the healing qualities of blackberry 
cordial? Better far than many responses to the surgeon's 
call. 

The men thought the Sunday well spent and, after a 
twilight devoted to reminiscenes, wherein of course home 
abounded, couches on mother earth were sought, hoping 
that sleep might be undisturbed until morn. It was well 
that rest was taken early for it is only two o'clock of the 20th 
when morning sleep is broken by the bugle call ; evidently 
a long march is in prospect, but from characteristic delays, 
it is fully five o'clock before faces are again set southward, 
the route being through a section badly scarred by the 
ravages of war. About twenty miles are passed over in 
reaching Middleburg, a place on the Alexandria and 
Winchester turnpike, of some local importance, whose 
inhabitants are largely if not entirely secesh, and we are 
told that many of them, being in Pickett's Division, had 
suffered greatly at Gettsyburg. Indeed one lady, the 
mistress of a large and elegantly furnished mansion, appar- 
ently one of the F. F. V.'s, who very kindly responded to 
the requests of the Union soldiers, when thanked most 
respectfully for her consideration, replied that she only 
wished people on the other side might have done as much 
for her son who was killed at Gettysburg. On the way 



July 20, '63 In Virginia 91 

hither, the regiment has the new experience of fording a 
stream, Goose Creek, from two to four feet deep and from 
80 to 100 feet wide. 

A heavy picket line is thrown out because of the prox- 
imity of guerrillas, who prowl around like jackals intent 
on mischief; and they already had captured several divi- 
sion staff officers who had ridden too far ahead, for the 
purpose of selecting proper camping grounds. The tour 
of picket duty was not without its compensation since an 
abundance of blackberries was revealed by the morning 
of the 21st which, with food foraged from the enemy's 
country, helped out the somewhat reduced rations of the 
haversack. In the preceding night Samuel W. Joyce, 
Company C, a Medford boy, had died, worn out by the 
exactions of the expedition, and a prayer by the chaplain 
is the sole service as his body is committed to the earth, 
since in active warfare scant time is found for burial cere- 
monies. The entire day is passed in this camp, thus afford- 
ing a needed rest while time is found for observation, not 
alone of the neighboring fields, abounding in berries, but of 
the people among whom no men of military age are found 
and of the fact that Confederate money finds greater favor 
here than the currency of Uncle Sam, a peculiarity how- 
ever that gradually disappears as the months advance. 

It is two o'clock, p. m. when the command to pack up 
is heard, but it is nearly or quite sundown before the start 
is made, since the brigade is taking its turn on the left of 
the line; also the guarding of the wagon train is committed 
to the brigade and in this somewhat arduous duty the 
Thirty-ninth bears its part. Over roads, never conspicuous 
for smoothness, now worse than ever, the troops and the 
train pick their weary way till 3 a. m. of the 23rd, when 
White Plains is reached, a distance of not more than eight 
miles from Middleburg, but a wearying march neverthe- 
less. It is pretty generally understood that both the rebel 
and the Union armies are racing for the Rappahannock, 
and the Federals have the inside track. The wagons are 



92 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

parked here, for mules must, If men do not, rest, and those 
guarding have the privilege of a bivouac for a short period, 
while the other troops have been resting a large part of 
the night. Repose is enjoyed for about four hours when, 
at seven o'clock in the morning, we are routed out and, two 
hours later proceed on our route to Warrenton, some 
thirteen miles away, getting there not far from five in the 
afternoon. Much to the astonishment of the wearied 
marchers, a dress parade is ordered, and the men go through 
the form, though they would much prefer to rest their 
tired bodies prone upon the ground. 

Warrenton is one of the names which every one has 
heard, over and over, ever since the beginning of the war, 
and all conclude that it must have been a very interesting 
as well as beautiful place before hostilities had marred 
its lovliness; the county seat of Fauquier County it 
possesses all of the public buildings belonging to such a 
place and betrays evidence of thrift, enterprise and culture. 
Secesh to the core, the people prefer Southern currency, 
though they will also take that of the North. In camp 
on a hill to the rear of Warrenton, the 24th is spent, rations 
are drawn, letters written to the homeland, and a big notch 
made in the stick of soldierly experience. With true mili- 
tary routine a dress parade is had at seven o'clock, just for 
the sake of maintaining the regimental altogethery feeling. 
Early in the morning of the 25th march is resumed and 
continues through a dry, level country, destitute alike 
of shade and water, the sun all of the time giving indica- 
tions of his heat rays; occasional halts do not negative the 
fact that it is a long and tiresome march, on account of 
which many a man would have been overcome by the 
heat had not all been thoroughly acclimated in the vigorous 
drills of the preceding months. Thirteen miles of desola- 
tion bring us to noon and Warrenton Junction and, best of 
all, to the sight of water. The stream, though small and 
already muddied by all sorts of animals in their efforts for 
drink, is none the less sought with ardor by the thirsty men, 



July 25, '63 In Virginia 93 

who pronounce this the dryest day in all their army experi- 
ence. 

Here is found a depot of supplies, the communication by 
rail and steam with Washington being direct and regular so 
that commissary and quartermaster stores are replenished ; 
near by is the whole Army of the Potomac, though there is 
every indication of going further on every hand and, while 
seemingly in direst confusion, no one appeared to get in 
another's way, convincing proof that some guiding power 
had all these different lines well in hand. What a chance to 
visit this and that friend in other regiments, an opportun- 
ity of which hundreds of men availed themselves, and 
many a meeting here was the last in this life. Making camp 
in a nearby grove, rest is sought, save as it is interrupted 
by rations-drawing, until there comes the order to fall-in 
once more, but by this time the men have learned that a 
certain amount of leeway is to be allowed in these march- 
ing orders, and they do not respond with all of their former 
alacrity. It is from this point that Major Tremlett, ac- 
companied by men from several companies, goes North 
for the purpose of looking after recruits expected from 
conscripts and substitutes. The second installment of this 
day's march really began about 7 p. m. and continued 
possibly seven miles to Bealton Station, on the Orange 
and Alexandria Railroad. Lack of water had made the 
morning's route hard to bear; nothing of the sort troubled 
that of the evening, since a pelting rain beat upon the faces 
of the marchers, filled the roads with mud and made the 
rivulets swelling torrents. With a single exception this was 
the severest storm ever encountered by the Thirty-ninth, 
that exception being the one when crossing the Occoquan 
on the return of Washington after the surrender. It is 
one o'clock in the morning of the 26th, that the regiment, 
though completely saturated with rain, files into an open 
field, and finds such repose as it can until the light of day. 



94 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

FIRST ARMY CORPS. 

It was here and on this day that the Eighth M. V. M., 
having accompanied the Thirty-ninth in all of its wan- 
derings from Maryland Heights, took its leave of the Poto- 
mac army and, obedient to orders, embarked at Warren- 
ton Junction for Washington, its nine months' tour of 
duty being long overpast, and a happy lot of soldiers they 
were, with the prospect of a speedy return to their homes. 
Of course there were the regular details for pickets, but 
the most of the regiment had a chance to clean up and 
to rest after the exactions of the preceding night. The 
departure of the Eighth caused the end of the Provisional 
Brigade, under the command of General Briggs, the latter 
returning to Washington, while the Thirty-ninth became 
a part of the First Brigade, Second Division, First Army 
Corps, the division and corps being the same as before; the 
other members of the brigade were the Thirteenth Massa- 
chusetts, Sixteenth Maine, Ninety-fourth and One Hundred 
and Fourth New York, and the One Hundred and Seventh 
Pennsylvania, the Commander being Colonel Peter Lyle 
of the Nintieth Pennsylvania regiment. The dress parade 
at the close of this day was signalized by a sequel to the 
bell crowned hats, already referred to, since a number of 
the men in Woburn Company (K), wearing the obnox- 
ious headgear and otherwise grotesquely arrayed, appeared 
on the parade ground, exciting the risibles of all beholders 
and securing for themselves a command to report at the 
colonel's headquarters, where even his equanimity was 
upset and, after a hearty laugh, he let the culprits off with 
a reprimand and some extra policing about his tent. 

The sweet sleep to which the regiment commended it- 
self at "Taps" was interrupted at 11 p. m. by the com- 
mand to "pack-up" and "fall-in" and soon afterward the 
Thirty-ninth was marching southward, making the best 
of the way alongside the railroad, not always careful to 
keep the middle of the road, this being one of the lapses of 



July 26, '63 First Army Corps 95 

Colonel Davis, viz., that he was willing that the men should 
keep their feet dry if possible. He had even excited the 
ire of General Briggs by insisting that, when only keep- 
ing in line was the point at issue, his men should march dry- 
shod, thus possibly accounting for the extra marching 
ability of his men. Rappahannock Station, where the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad crosses the river, was 
the point aimed at, and very early in the morning of the 
27th it was reached, and the broken slumbers of the pre- 
ceding night were resumed for a brief period. The remain- 
der of the First Brigade was here along with several thou- 
sand cavalrymen. The remaining days of July were spent 
in the camp established near the banks of the Rappa- 
hannock, on an elevation overlooking the river. There was 
nothing to disturb the general quiet of the place, though 
Union soldiers picketed one side of the stream, a narrow 
one here, and rebels the other. The railroad bridge had 
been destroyed and the coming of a train load of pontoons, 
in the evening of Wednesday, the 29th, called for a large 
detail of men from each company to unload them, a rather 
heavy task, while showers, many of them very severe, 
made even tent life anything but comfortable. Somewhere, 
in these meanderings, a character of Company G won fame 
for himself in the aptness of his reply to Captain Trull. As 
he fell in for dress parade, the Captain noticed that the 
private's shoes were plastered with Virginia mud, and 
sent him to his quarters to make them more presentable. 
Presently he returned with the fronts of said shoes much im- 
proved, but the after portions were as before. When 
asked by the irate Captain why he had not blacked the 
heels as well as the front of his shoes, the witty fellow 
replied that a good soldier never looked behind. 

Lest the men through idleness might grow rusty, the 
last day of July was marked by a drill, and later the orders 
were given that at two o'clock in the next morning, August 
1st, the camp should be broken and all be ready to march 
soon after. While the day did not bring on an engage- 



96 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

ment there was much of interest in seeing the cavalry cross 
the river and in beholding the disappearance of the Con- 
federate pickets and in hearing the sounds of more or less 
firing beyond the hills across the stream, in the direction 
of Culpeper Court House. Our crossing was effected about 
two o'clock in the afternoon, line of battle was formed and 
under a blazing sun we advanced until a piece of woods 
was reached where every man improved the least chance 
possible for escape from the intense heat. After a consid- 
erable halt and consequent rest, the line fell back fully 
a mile, halting on the brow of a hill where trees and under- 
brush were cut away to favor firing of both artillery and 
musketry, while the fallen timber would serve as an abatis. 
Until the 8th of August the Regiment remained here, digging 
intrenchments, doing picket duty, witnessing the almost 
constant activities of the Cavalry, which kept the enemy 
stirred up, and on the 3rd it seemed as though the Con- 
federates were really coming our way, but it proved to be 
only a reconnoisance in force, and the Union forces were 
found on the watch. Colonel Lyle having leave of absence, 
Colonel Davis succeeded to the command of the brigade 
and Lieut. Colonel Peirson to that of the regiment. For 
diversion, the men had berry picking and foraging gener- 
ally in front of, and bathing in the Rappahannock be- 
hind their lines, and on Wednesday, the 5th, all were sur- 
prised and delighted by the appearance of Major Bell, 
paymaster, who left many tokens of Uncle Sam's honesty in 
the hands of the men, a large portion of which was speedily 
sent northward for the benefit of kindred there, Thurs- 
day, the 6th, was a day of national thanksgiving for the 
victories that had attended the Union arms and at brigade 
headquarters there were religious services b^^ the chap- 
lains of the Sixteenth Maine, the Ninety-fourth and 
One Hundred and Fourth New York, and by General Briggs, 
temporarily in command of the division. The proclama- 
tion of the President, calling for this observance, was issued 
July 15th, the kind heartedness and devotion of Mr. Lin- 



Aug. 6, '63. First Army Corps 97 

coin appearing in every sentence. While the entire docu- 
ment might be read with profit to-day, let the following 
extract suffice : — 

But these victories have been accorded not without sacrifices 
of life, limb, health and liberty, incurred by brave, loyal and 
patriotic citizens. Domestic affliction in every part of the 
country follows in the train of these fearful bereavements. It is 
meet and right to recognize and confess the presence of the 
Almighty Father and the power of His hand equally in these 
triumphs and in these sorrows. 

That the men might participate in the spirit of the day 
there was a suspension of drills, though a morning inspec- 
tion reminded everyone that routine constitutes a large 
part of a soldier's life. 

Dress parade on the 7th was omitted on account of one 
of the severe storms with which the season was rife, accom- 
panied by thunder and lightning and wind to the extent 
of blowing down the brush protection which many of the 
men had set up around their tents; many of the tents 
went down also — as one of the unfortunates records it," most 
of the boys got drowned out." Saturday, the 8th, brought 
a change, in that orders were received about 11 a. m. to 
prepare dinner early in order to be ready to march, though 
we did really remain till after five o'clock before starting, 
carrying with us tent-poles and everything movable that 
might contribute to the comfort of the new stopping place, 
which proved to be across the river and very near where 
we were before the advance beyond the Rappahannock. 
Apparently, the entire brigade came back with us. Though 
no one was conscious of the fact at the time, here the 
Thirty-ninth was fated to remain with the other parts of 
the Potomac Army for more than a month. Though we 
had marched with the army all the way down from Funks- 
town, we had not fought at Gettysburg, nor had we parti- 
cipated in that trying race with Lee's forces all the way 
from Falmouth to the foregoing sanguinary field. Regi- 
ments had become little better than skeleton organiza- 



98 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

tions; mounts for cavalry and artillery were sadly want- 
ing and a period for recuperation and replenishing was 
absolutely necessary. 

"Reveille at 4.30 a. m,; splendid morning and the dis- 
tant bugles and drums over hill and vale proclaim that 
the army is awake," such was the entry in his diary of one 
of the Thirty-ninth whose day was given to guard duty, 
in an open field exposed to the fierce rays of an almost 
tropical sun, while many of his comrades devote much 
of their daylight to procuring and placing boughs around 
and over their tents to render less oppressive the August 
heat. One wonders whether it was piety or dislike of work 
which prompted the following item in another diary, "Other 
regiments have religious services; ours never does; had 
to keep at work all day" ; that dress parade closed the day 
might be concluded without the saying. Owing to the 
nearness of other regiments, it is easy to compare their 
scanty numbers with the full ranks of the Thirty-ninth, 
while the Twelfth and Thirteenth turn out with scarcely 
a corporal's guard in numbers for several of the companies, 
the Thirty-ninth has five hundred men, this very day, on 
parade, though a shrinkage of one half is quite an item, 
especially when there has been no loss on the battlefield. 
The utility of constant drill, especially in these superheated 
days is not appreciated by the older regiments in the bri- 
gade, and means are usually found to sidetrack the orders 
of Colonel Davis, acting commander of the brigade, but 
the Thirty-ninth obeys them to the letter. 

The round of guard and picket duty keeps everyone in 
active condition, particularly as there are drill and fatigue 
for any not otherwise employed. The picket line is across 
the Rappahannock, about two miles and a half towards 
Culpeper, not far from the early August camping ground. 
That there is every indication of a prolonged stay here is 
emphasized by the appearance of the sutler, on the 12th, 
who proceeds to establish his plant and to open out some 
luxuries, always appetizing to the average soldier, though 



Aug. 12, '63 First Army Corps 99 

forty-six cents a pound for cheese and one dollar a bottle 
for syrup and preserves make a man think twice before 
buying. The Medford men, Company C,are'somewhat exult- 
ant over the fact that Captain Hutchins, on the 13th, 
is in command of the Regiment, since Lieut. Colonel Peir- 
son is in command of the picket line and Major Tremlett 
is in Boston. During these days many drafted men arrive 
and are added to certain of the older regiments, though 
the permanent good derived from their coming is hardly 
commensurate with the trouble and expense incident to 
their presense. America never had much use for involun- 
tary soldiering. 

The 15th, Saturday, brought orders to be ready to march 
at a moment's notice but, as often happened, nothing came 
of it. The following day there was a movement of cer- 
tain troops by train to Alexandria, for what purpose no one 
knew, though doutless a part of the scheme to strengthen 
the Carolinas and the West which, eventually, will 
take a considerable number of men from Meade's Army. 
Everyone is learning the extremes of midday heat and 
midnight cold and many sigh for the material thrown away 
on the marches southward from Antietam, Those in 
authority are becoming alive to the fact that sleeping on 
the ground is conducive to summer ailments, and the 
consequent order goes forth that bunks shall be constructed 
and the tents correspondingly elevated. No one is per- 
mitted to get homsick on account of having nothing to do. 
Owing to the absence of Surgeon Page, the surgeon of the 
One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania has temporary 
charge of the sick in this regiment, and his diligence makes 
an exceedingly favorable impression. During this quiet 
period along the Rappahannock, the railroad bridge across 
the river is repaired or rebuilt, the pontoons are taken up 
and sent away and the men are realizing what regular mails 
and rations mean. The latter are so full and free that an 
excess of coffee especially forms an excellent medium of 
exchange with the rebel pickets. 



100 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

On the 19th, more troops returned from the south side of 
the river, leaving scarcely more there than the Second 
Brigade of the Second Division; evidently some change 
of lines is in prospect. One man records his opinion that 
the construction of an oven for the baking of beans is a 
sure indication of a general move of the army, activity 
generally following any attempt at permanency. It is in 
these August days that the several companies are recalling 
the first anniversary of their muster-in and comparing 
notes between now and then. Though the Regimicnt has 
not been called to face the enemy on the field of battle, 
the time has by no means been wasted, since the drill and 
discipline that Colonel Davis and other officers have in- 
sisted on have made the organization ready for almost 
any test that may come in its way. The 28th of the month 
was marked by the return of Colonel Davis to the Regi- 
ment; Colonel Lyle having resumed his position at the 
head of the Brigade. As a consequence, all forms of drill 
received an immediate impetus. It was about this time 
(28th) that the Pennsylvania Reserves presented General 
Meade with a magnificent sword, the presentation taking 
place some three-fourths of a mile away, and Governor 
Curtin of the Keystone State, General Heintzelman and 
other distinguished men being present. Rumor says that 
the blade was originally intended for General John F. 
Reynolds, Commander of the First Corps, killed at Gettys- 
burg. 

It was in the last week of August that the knapsacks, 
left by orders at Funkstown, were received by their owners, 
but their contents, valuable or otherwise, had already 
been appropriated by others; much disappointment re- 
sulted, since many a soldier had reckoned on the material, 
supposed to be there, for relief in the cold nights along 
the Rappahannock. As Government allowance for cloth- 
ing was only $42 a year and the securing of sufficient 
apparel seemed necessary, not a few boysinthe Thirty-ninth 
found themselves in debt to Uncle Sam instead of being 



Aug. 29, '63 First Army Corps 101 

prospective recipients of two months' pay, one of the 
hardships that the men were obliged to undergo through 
no fault of their own. Over in the Fifth Army Corps, on 
the 29th, was enacted a play in real life, if such a scene 
could be called a play — the execution of deserters. The 
coming and going of recruits had become so common that 
examples must be made of some of the flagrant cases. 
Drafted men, unwilling to enter the service, had the priv- 
ilege of purchasing exemption by the payment of a large 
sum of money, the men accepting the same and taking 
the place of the drafted men received the general name 
of substitutes. In quite too many cases these men, finding 
the occupation lucrative, deserted again and again, each 
time re-enlisting, gaining many dollars thereby, while 
the army received no increase. These five men, shot to 
death while sitting upon their coffins, afforded a salutary 
lesson for others, similarly inclined, to see and heed. Gen- 
eral F. A. Walker, in his history of the Second Army Corps, 
says, "The shooting of a score of bad men in 1861 would 
literally have saved the lives of thousands of good men in 
1862 and 1863." The best soldiers were those who, realiz- 
ing the peril of their country, took their lives in their own 
hands and, as it were, offered them a willing sacrifice for 
the Nation's salvation; if they escaped death, that was 
their good fortune, their supreme devotion was nothing 
lessened thereby. The month ended with an inspection 
by Lieut. Colonel Peirson and muster for two months' 
pay. 

In the concluding days of August, pains had been taken 
in rearranging the camp, resulting in well defined com- 
pany streets, and thereafter much time was spent in secur- 
ing boughs and placing them so as to lessen the burning 
heat of midday; it is an excellent trait of healthy, well 
meaning men that, following a brief rest, they always are 
disposed to enhance the possibilities of comfort. With the 
3rd of September (Thursday) came a rigid inspection of 



102 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

equipments and clothing, conducted by General Robinson,* 
Divison Commander, the event having a suspicion of 
greater mihtary activity. The entire brigade with its six 
regiments numbers about two thousand men, of whom 
the Thirty-ninth constitutes more than one-fourth, our 
Regiment being the only one not yet exposed to the losses 
of battle. Another indication of aggression or apprehen- 
sion is the building of defenses and the advance of the 
Union picket line; a like approach of the enemy brings 
the Blue and the Gray pretty near each other. Friday 
night, the 4th, was noteworthy in that boxes, which should 
have reached the Regiment in Washington, were announced. 
Of course the food, prepared by loving hands in the distant 
North, was long past the condition of use, but articles of 
apparel came in a most convenient season ; had they come 
before leaving Washington or on the trip southward, they 
doubtless would have been thrown away or, at any rate, 
left behind in some of the caches established on the march. 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY. 

Sunday, the 6th of September, set many a mind to think- 
ing, for it was the first anniversary of the departure from 
Boxford, and a year before hardly an enlisted man thought 
the war would last so long, yet he beheld himself a mere 
atom in the immensity of the strife, at the moment taking 
breath before the next effort. One of the scribes writes in 
his book of innermost thoughts, "I see very few signs of 



*John C. Robinson, one of the famous officers of the Union Army, was born 
in Binghamton, N. Y., April 10, 1817, left West Point 1838, a year before 
graduation, to study law, but returned to the army in 1839; he won distinc- 
tion in the Mexican War; as Commandant of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, at 
the breaking out of the War, he preserved it for the Union side; from the 
Colonelcy of the First Michigan Infantry, he rose steadily in rank to the 
command of a division; he was prominent through the Seven Days' Fight, was 
ever in evidence from Fredericksburg to Gettysburg; he lost a leg at Spott- 
sylvania thus retiring from service in the field; with Governor General John 
A. Dix, he was Lieut. Governor of the Empire State in 1873-4 and was com- 
mander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1877-8; in 1887 he 
attended annual reunion of the Thirty-ninth; he died February 18, 1897. 



Sept. 12, '63 First Anniversary 103 

the end as yet." Another laments the barbarity of men 
and boys who, gently born and reared, will destroy need- 
lessly the property that comes in their way, instancing a 
beautiful house, across the river, out towards Culpeper, 
whose F.F.V, owner had followed the Confederates in their 
falling back, and not only had the furniture, elaborate 
and choice, been utterly broken to pieces, but the cover- 
ing of the mansion had been torn off also, so that the bare 
framework of the structure remained, only one of hundreds 
of examples that might be narrated. On this day a cavalry 
force, under the lead of Generals Buford, Kilpatrick and 
Gregg advanced across the Rappahannock and, engaging 
the mounted force of General J. E. B. Stuart, drove it 
steadily back to and through Culpeper, capturing one 
hundred prisoners and some of the English light guns of 
the enemy. Dashing along to the Rapidan, Buford and 
his men, encamped on the banks of that already noted 
stream and then made their way back, not without diffi- 
culty, to the Union side of the Rappahannock. 

With the beginning of the second year's service since 
the start from Boxford, enters a new division of time in 
the camp: — Reveille at sunrise, police-duty, fifteen minutes 
later; sick-call at 6 a.m.; breakfast, 7; drill, 7.30; recall, 
9.30; dinner, 12.30; drill, 3 to 5; dress parade, sunset; 
tattoo, 8.30; taps, 9 p. m. A long-needed rain came in vio- 
lent form on the 12th, doing much good, yet was not exactly 
comfortable for those who had their tents blown down; 
however, well filled springs were quite consoling in that 
the regular water supply had grown conspicuously low. 
The 12th, too, is the day which marked the departure of 
Longstreet from Lee's army to the relief of Bragg in Georgia 
and Tennessee, not to return till the battle of the Wilder- 
ness is in progress. It takes very little time for the news 
to reach the hither side of the Rappahannock and an im- 
mediate movement towards the south follows, the Second 
Corps and the Cavalry being the first to advance on the 
13th, with the purpose of so engaging the attention of Lee 



104 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

that he will send no more troops to assist in the possible 
discomfiture of Rosecrans. 

The 14th marked the coming of Paymaster Major Burt, 
and the squaring of accounts for the preceding two months, 
though the clothing items reduced the compensation in 
certain cases almost to the vanishing point. Constant 
activity across the river, the passing of many heavily 
loaded trains and their return with loads of prisoners and 
wounded Union soldiers indicated the rapid pushing of 
things in that direction, and the inevitable advance of the 
remaining portions of the Federal force. Early in the 
morning of the 16th came the expected order to be ready 
to march at 5 a. m. Everything was in readiness, but 
the start was not made until 7 o'clock and then the regi- 
ment and the entire First Corps again crossed the Rappa- 
hannock by means of pontoon bridges and advanced to- 
wards Culpeper. A considerable part of the way was over 
an excellent road, though the rations, extra supplies of 
cartridges and the recently filled knapsacks made the way 
a hard one. Recent experience of cold nights had taught 
the men the necessity of retaining their extra apparel but, 
if some of the unnecessary ammunition were thrown away, 
it was because the men soon learned that large quantities 
of cartridges were entirely too burdensome. Though the 
distance marched was only twelve miles it seemed very 
much longer, leading by Brandy Station, a name in a few 
months to become almost a household word both North 
and South, and in general along the line of the Orange and 
Alexandria Railroad. While the Second and Sixth Corps 
had advanced to the Rapidan, the First Corps was held 
in reserve, some three miles east of Culpeper. 

For a little more than a week this was to be the camp- 
ing place of the Thirty-ninth and with accustomed dili- 
gence there speedily followed the regular round of inspec- 
tions, drills and parades, though there were many and 
large details for picket duty. An inspection on the 17th 
seemed largely for the purpose of ascertaining how gener- 



Sept. 17, '63 First Anniversary 105 

ally or otherwise the men had retained the extra ammuni- 
tion dealt out to them; how successfully delinquents were 
helped out by those who had retained their heavy loads 
was long a theme for lengthy dessertions in company cir- 
cles. The location of the camp upon a rising knoll made 
it the sport of the winds and the distance of both wood 
and water was a special hardship. Even then, when water 
was obtained, it was found to be so hard or so impregnated 
with lime as to be very distasteful to New England men 
who had been brought up where soft water was quite the 
vogue. An indication of a more or less prolonged stay 
appeared on this, the I7th, when the regimental sutlers 
put in an appearance and setting up their tents were ready 
for business. They were not likely to follow too closely an 
army in motion. Also drills and inspections marked the 
resumption of regular soldier regimen. The weather was 
singularly cold for the season of the year; in strolling about 
the vicinity, it was easy to discover where the enemy had 
lately encamped. 

The advent of eight days' rations on the 22d with an 
injunction to pack five days' portion in our knapsacks 
made us think that some unusual stunt was impending. 
A Division-drill signalized the 23rd, General Robinson 
conducting the same. The 24th brought the expected 
change, the regiment marching a few miles down the Rapi- 
dan near Raccoon Ford, occupying some portions of the 
camp held until this morning by the 12th Army Corps, 
the latter along with the Eleventh having been ordered 
to arrange for a transfer to the Army of the Cumberland 
in the Tennessee country; this move being made lest 
Longstreet's presence with his force should give too hard 
a problem for Rosecrans to solve. While the orders to 
Howard and Slocum, of the Eleventh and Twelfth respec- 
tively, were issued on the 24th, it was not till the 3rd of 
October that the great organizations reached their destina- 
tion. Of far greater consequence to some of the men in 
the Thirty-ninth was the fact that home-boxes just arrived 



106 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

from Washington had to be left behind. The 25th sees 
the renewal of regular camp activities along with the ne- 
cessary cleaning up after the departure of the Twelfth 
Corps. The 26th saw a large force of twenty-five men 
from each company, under the command of Lieut. Colonel 
Peirson, proceeding to the banks of the Rapidan for picket 
duty. It was while nearing this point that the residence 
of Dr. John H. Stringfellow of Kansas notoriety, then or 
later a Confederate Surgeon, was reached and the man 
himself was interviewed, who declared his undeviating 
secession proclivities. Though certain of these Massa- 
chusetts men would have liked to repay some of the debts 
due him, they concluded that he was getting his punish- 
ment as he went along, for evidently his situation in the 
midst of contending armies was rapidly reducing him to 
a condition of absolute destitution. 

THE RAPIDAN. 

Picketing along the Rapidan at this time was not a hard- 
ship, since by mutual consent there was no firing, and the 
native Yankee disposition to explore had full vent, when 
not actually on post, the reserve furnishing many oppor- 
tunities for learning habits and conditions of the people 
not otherwise attainable. Relieving the Nintieth Penn- 
sylvania, one-half of the detail attended to extreme out- 
post duty, while the other part enjoyed absence of drill 
and inspections around the reserve camp, "Revelling in 
that delicious abandon, one bright spot in a soldier's life, 
when he can do just what he pleases." Thus it was an 
even turn-about during the days on the river, in these 
parts only a narrow stream of possibly three rods* width. 
Most cordial relations existed between Reb. and Fed. and 
the trades between the Blue and the Gray proved that no 
monopoly in the swapping habit was enjoyed by the 
Yankee. Whatever extra coffee the boys possessed proved 
to be as good as cash, if not better, when dealing with these 



Sept. 27, '63 The Rapidan * 107 

lads from the Southland. They even swam across the river 
to partake of Northern hospitality and to facilitate 
exchanges. The nights being cold, campfires were kindled 
on both sides and the alleged enemies kept as comfortable 
as possible, in plain sight of each other. 

In the stillness of the Sunday evening (27th) the Con- 
federates in their camp indulged in a prayer-meeting and 
their hymns, the same that Northern Christians were 
singing at that very moment in the far away churches, 
were plainly heard by the hostile soldiery on our side of 
the stream. Need there be any wonder that some listen- 
ers moralized on the absurdity of men who read the same 
Bible and sang the same songs, spending several years 
of their lives, none too long at the longest in shooting at 
each other? Here took place the famous exchange of song, 
so often told in campfires and wherever it is desirable to 
prove that one touch of Nature makes the whole world 
kin. One night the Rebs. started off on the "Bonnie Blue 
Flag, "and when their strains had ceased, the Yanks got 
back at them with the "Star Spangled Banner"; next 
the Boys in Gray tuned up with "Maryland, My Mary- 
land" and those in Blue naturally retorted with "The Red 
White and Blue"; breaking the lull that ensued, our men 
started John Howard Payne's immortal and universal 
"Home Sweet Home"; scarcely had the first note been 
struck before the sympathetic enemy chimed in, and 
Virginian woods and hillsides echoed with the tender strains 
clearly showing how Saxon blood remembers. On another 
occasion a musical exchange, beginning with "Pennyroyal, " 
ran through the list of then popular melodies, though all 
sang in unison, and very naturally, too, for ending "Old 
Hundred." Will not coming generations wonder that 
men who could together sing the old songs should ever 
fight each other? 

Monday, the 28th, ended the stay by the river's side and 
the detail returned to camp, coming up with it some two 
miles nearer than when it was left, a fact that in no way 



108 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

disturbed those coming back. While a large part of the 
Regiment was on its tour of duty, those left behind were 
by no means idle and they too had their observations of 
Confederates who apparently had heard from Chickamauga, 
a favorite shout of their's across the river being, "How 
are you, Rosey?" In the afternoon of the 27th, the Regi- 
ment and the whole Corps again changed locations; the 
pickets along the river could plainly see and hear the rebels 
at their respective tasks; the work upon their fortifica- 
tions, their drills and other occupations. Here it was 
that Lieut. Colonel Peirson's detachment found the Regi- 
ment on its return. A short move on the 29th, brought 
the Regiment out of shelling range, but in a place so heavily 
wooded that trees had to be felled to make camping places, 
and on ground so low that very little rain made it extremely 
moist. By building bunks, we were enabled to keep out of 
the mud, but we were far from comfortable and, to crown 
all our discomforture, though there was water everywhere, 
as in the case of the Ancient Mariner, we found not a drop 
to drink; that had to be brought from a distance. The 
fires for cooking and bodily comfort were maintained with 
difficulty, and inflamed eyes, through prevailing smoke, 
became the rule. 

Friday, October 2d, marked a sad day in the annals of 
the Divisions; the forenoon had been so rainy that it 
seemed as though nothing could add to the discomforts of 
the situation, yet the prospect of a march to witness the 
execution of a bounty-jumper was not so inviting as it might 
have been under less watery conditions. It was about noon 
that the Regiment fell into line, and, after standing an hour 
under the pelting rain, thoroughly drenched itmoved outand 
in mud and water seemingly knee-deep marched some two 
miles or more to the assigned rendezvous where, after 
many changes of position to accommodate other portions 
of the Division, the rain having cleared away, the band of 
the Sixteenth Maine playing a dirge announced the ap- 
proach of the procession ; the same consisting of the provost 



Oct. 3, '63 The Rapidan 109 

guard, followed by an ambulance in which rode the pri- 
soner, sitting upon his coffin, accompanied by his chap- 
lain. Blindfolded and kneeling upon his coffin, the firing 
squad, obedient to orders, discharged their weapons and 
the deserter of the Nintieth Pennsylvania passed on to his 
reward; however gruesome the scene may have been, 
undoubtedly the lesson was a valuable one upon such as 
thought the laws of the land could be broken with impunity. 

The return from the execution to a camp, practically 
under water, was anything but inspiriting and whatever 
was eaten had to be taken out of the haversack, for camp- 
fires were out of the question and sleep to men soaking wet 
was hardly possible. The weather clearing during the 
night gave some chance for drying garments during Sat- 
urday, the 3rd, and Sunday began to seem endurable and 
adapted to letter writing, when there came orders to pack 
up, once at least heard with no sigh of regret. While wait- 
ing for orders to march, all ears were startled by the sound 
of cannonading, which proved to be an effort of the enemy 
to shell a Union wagon train which had driven somewhat 
near the rebel works. When the start was made and the 
new camping spot found, it proved to be an excellent one, 
high and dry, with plenty of wood and water, and by gen- 
eral consent, the site was first-class; in honor of the Surgeon- 
in-Chief of the First Corps, the place was known as "Camp 
Nordquist. " 

At dress parade, Oct. 7th, an order was read to the effect 
that men, desirous of changing from infantry regiments to 
light artillery batteries, could do so by sending their names 
through the proper channels. Much to the surprise of the 
officers, there was a very general response to the proposi- 
tion; indeed two hundred and twenty-three men, almost 
one half of the effective regimental organization, had filled 
out papers. [Colonel Davis forwarded the long list to divi- 
sion headquarters with his approval, but the applicants 
had so far overdone the matter, nothing came of it, save 
that General Robinson in a special order said that the ser- 



110 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

vice must Inevitably suffer, if so many men were to go from 
one organization, and there the project ended. However 
fitting the men found Camp Nordquist, it was not theirs 
to remain there long, since after lights had been extin- 
guished in the night of the 9th and the men were in the 
midst of their before-midnight slumbers, there came per- 
emptory orders to pack up and be ready to march. Quickly 
responding, and building great fires for light and comfort, 
the Regiment was soon in place and prepared for the next 
command. It did not come until the morning of the 10th, 
when in obedience to it the Brigade, Dividion and all, started 
out over a by no means easy route and kept in motion 
until morning. Finding ourselves in the vicinity of Mor- 
ton's Ford, we were ordered to cook breakfast and make 
ourselves as comfortable as possible. 

A BACKWARD MOVE 

An explanation of the event of this and subsequent days 
is in place here; by a singular coincidence, just as Meade 
was beginning to do what Lee had been expecting of him, 
for several weeks, the latter began a move similar to that 
of the year before when he had hurried Pope across the 
Rappahannock; in other words, he flanked Meade's right, 
thus making it necessary for the latter to end any southern 
plans that he may have formed, and to devote himself ex- 
clusively to heading off the Confederate leader. While 
the entire Union army is in motion our interest centres 
in the Regiment whose story is in progress. As originally 
proposed, the First Corps was to cross the Rapidan at 
Morton's or Raccoon Ford, co-operating with the Cavalry 
which was to cross the river at Germanna Ford, and to 
assail the Confederate right; meanwhile the Sixth Corps 
was to cross at a point further up the river and to attack 
Lee's left. An early attack was the motive for the very 
unseasonable start, though its purpose was largely nega- 
tived by the great fires with which the men had lighted 
their way through the night. 



Oct. 11, '63 A Backward Move 111 

All day long the troops awaited the approach of Buford 
and his troopers before crossing, but no cavalry appeared ; 
night approached and preparations for repose were afoot 
when the command came to pack up and be off. Evidently 
the purposes of Lee had been disclosed and an "About 
Face" was only preliminary to "Forward, March." 
The night w^as memorable to those concerned in its exac- 
tions, not so much for its length as on account of the diffi- 
culties encountered. Along a narrow road, infantry and artil- 
lery jostled each other, frequently the former having to take 
to the fields, many of them low and marshy, or to lie along 
the roadside while the cannon had the thoroughfare. At 
last the top of the hills near Mountain Creek, where the 
first camp south of the Rappahannock had been pitched, 
was gained and an unparalleled scene broke upon the 
vision of these sleepy and wearied soldiers. As far as the 
eye could reach the entire landscape was starred with 
campfires, and it began to look as though we were to sleep 
on our old campground. Every conceivable noise saluted 
the ear; the stroke of axes as they cut up rails for fuel, the 
clamor of teamsters, endeavoring to get their teams through 
difficult places and the incessant hum of human voices, 
raised for a thousand reasons. It was midnight, however, 
before the Thirty-ninth was ready to commit itself to sleep, 
and even then, not for long, since at 2 a. m. of the 11th, 
the call to arms was heard by the tired and sleepy men. 

All may have heard the call, but all did not obey at once. 
Some of them had been known to ignore parental rising 
calls at home and, on this occasion, they were the happy, 
lucky ones, since six o'clock arrived and still no orders to 
move forward, though the right of the corps had been long 
on the march. The many and rapid changes of the last 
thirty-six hours have brought about some hitherto unex- 
perienced trouble. Many of the Regiment had been left 
on picket and one of those, performing this at present 
hazardous duty, records the following in his diary, "About 
nine (p. m.) receive orders to pack up and leave; march 



112 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to our old camp and get some rations; then start again 
for Pony Mountain. About 3 a. m. (11th), arrive at our 
old campground, where we first stopped (Aug. 1) after 
crossing the Rappahannock and, I was just ready to lie 
down when we were ordered back about a mile to our 
Regiment." Not all, however, were so fortunate. Though 
under the command of that sterling veteran, Captain John 
Hutchins (C), owing to the darkness of the night, some 
of the men lost their way and thirteen were captured by 
closely following rebel cavalry; seven of the captives 
being from "E," the Somerville company, were as follows: 
Sergt. J. R. Hyde; Privates F. J. Oliver, Henr>^ Howe, 
Joseph Whitmore, Washington Lovett, all of whom died 
in Andersonville; and Corp. G. W. Bean and Private J. W. 
Oliver; the corporal survived seventeen months of im- 
prisonment, getting out March '65, while the private, more 
fortunate, was paroled after three or four months of dur- 
ance; John K. Meade of "K" was also taken the same 
night, the event happening near Stevensburg, about six 
miles from the Regiment. 

The soldier's time honored privilege of grumbling had 
free course this afternoon, since it was between 10 and 
11 a. m. that the lines finally moved. The hardened cam- 
paigner understands that no one in the regiment is respon- 
sible for unseemly hours of turning out; it means just the 
same for shoulder straps that it does for men in the ranks; 
the enemy is near; exactly when or where he may ap- 
pear no one knows, but all can be ready to respond immedi- 
ately to the first command. The chances are that not 
even Colonel Davis was aware that to him and his regi- 
ment was to be entrusted a considerable part of the safety 
of the rear of the retreating army. Yet such was the case, 
and when the fact became apparent not over pleasant 
memories of their former experience in a similar duty were 
recalled; happily in this case the wagon trains had been 
hurried forward and the coast was comparatively clear 
all the way to Kelly's Ford, passing on the way all that was 



Oct. 2, '63 A Campaign of Maneuvers 113 

left of the hamlet of Stevensburg. Further down the river 
was a pontoon-bridge over which other troops were pass- 
ing but, as the enemy was near, there could be no delay 
and at 5 p. m., or thereabouts, the men marched through, 
the water being about waist deep and, in chilly October, 
anything but agreeable. With all possible precautions 
taken for defense against the closely following foe, and 
with great fires to dry their saturated garments, the soldiers 
were soon comparatively comfortable. 

CAMPAIGN OF MANEUVERS. 

By way of explanation of the marchings and counter- 
marchings in which the regiment is indulging, it should 
be stated that a considerable portion of October was devoted 
to what Wm, Swinton calls "A campaign of maneuvers." 
So far from reading each other's mind, it would appear 
that neither Lee nor Meade was accurately informed of 
the actual procedure of his rival for, while the Confederates 
were still making their way northward, but not being 
encountered by Meade where he expected, the latter ordered 
the Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps to turn about and to 
be ready to face Lee at or near Culpeper; the Third Corps, 
under French, meanwhile was at Freeman's Ford on the 
Rappahannock, and the First we have seen at Kelly's 
Ford. When the Union Commander learned that Lee had 
simply gone a little further west for his crossing of the 
Rappahannock, White Sulphur Springs, on the 12th, and 
was rapidly nearing Warrenton, he recalled the troops 
south of the river and then began the forced march to pre- 
vent Lee's distancing him completely. Thomas Nelson 
Page says, "Meade was a master at moving his troops 
and now, making a forced march that night was in Lee's 
rear the next morning"(13th). It was a hotly contested 
race as to which army should first reach Bristoe Station, 
thus ending any purpose that Lee might have had against 
Washington. 



114 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

In all these movements on the great chessboard of war 
with its army corps, divisions and brigades, what was a 
single regiment among so many hundred? How much less 
was the individual, and it is the province of a history, such 
as this, to keep as near the individual as possible. Even 
a brigade, in such a vast array of men, was scarcely more 
than a pawn in the mighty game the Blue and the Gray 
were playing for American supremacy. Still every regi- 
ment had its part to perform in the progress of the con- 
test, and thousands of people in the homeland were 
watching each and every day's doing with supreme interest, 
their thoughts chiefly centered on some particular organi- 
zation, and to them and the members themselves there was 
no other body quite so important as "ours." To follow 
day by day, the march, bivouac and duty of the Thirty- 
ninth Massachusetts in this and all other campaigns in 
which it had a part is the office of this story. 

The white frost that greeted the eyes of waking soldiers 
in the morning of the 12th was quite as cold as any that 
New England could present, and campfires never were 
more appreciated. A hurried breakfast was prepared and 
eaten when the brigade was ordered into hurridly made 
rifle-pits, where the day was spent with the understanding 
that trouble might arise at any moment. This was the 
day in which Meade was looking for Lee. While there 
were sounds of activity elsewhere, nothing disturbed the 
Thirty-ninth, some even writing letters as the hours passed 
on. At no time in the history of the Regiment, did legs 
play a more important part than they did on the 13th of 
October; called from slumber at midnight, the advance 
was begun at one o'clock of the morning, and through the 
darkness the blue clad men were pushing forward as rapidly 
as possible towards Warren ton Junction, reaching it at 11 
a. m., with fifteen miles to the credit of the forenoon's 
effort. At Bealton station on the way, at six o'clock three 
had been a halt, and the men naturally supposed that coffee 
and breakfast were in order, but, much to the disappoint- 



Oct. 12, '63 Campaign of Maneuvers 115 

ment of all, came the order to advance and that, too, with- 
out delay. When men demurred and undertook to con- 
tinue their preparation of food, staff officers rushed among 
them and, kicking over their utensils, put out the fires, 
thus impressing on the hungry fellows the fact that the 
march was a forced one. It surely was a hurried getting- 
away and many a vehicle came to grief, particularly among 
the sutlers who had been somewhat venturesome in their 
coming to the front; it was even claimed that misfortunes 
to the outfits of the sutlers were not always unprovoked, 
since the removal of linchpins by mischievous boys and 
the consequent running off of wheels gave opportunity to fill 
otherwise empty haversacks. 

At Warrenton Junction all preparations were made for 
the possible attack of the enemy, batteries being unlimbered, 
the Regiment formed in battle-line, though the noon hour, 
after the long retreat, suggested dinner to the almost 
famished men, but the experience of the preceding July 
had taught all that the locality was sadly lacking in water 
supply. Except those who were looking out for the rear, 
the troops were in active motion, all passing by at the 
height of speed. Great quantities of commissary stores 
were piled up, and these were either carried off by the 
soldiers themselves or loaded upon the trains and thus 
saved, so disappointing the enemy who had reckoned on 
getting to these food supplies first. After a considerable 
halt the march proceeded along the line of railroad past 
Catlett's Station to Bristoe's, reaching the latter point 
late in the evening and camping at about nine o'clock. On 
the way we had passed the great wagon trains of the Army 
of the Potomac, packed in one, great, solid square, with 
wheels chained together, the mules being secured in the 
centre, indicating that the danger of immediate attack 
from the enemy was thought to be over for the present 
at least, and it also seemed that the First Corps came near 
being in the lead. A march of nearly twenty-five miles 



116 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

with almost empty haversacks gave the men reason for 
being considerably tired. 

"Not every boo is a bear" was clearly shown on this 
march towards Centreville when Fred, brother of Sergeant 
L. of "K, " having permission from the colonel, undertook 
to secure a chicken for the sergeant whose stomach was 
not in accord with his regular rations. With instructions 
to be extremely careful, the soldier went from house to 
house but without success, the guards at these places telling 
him that he was running great risks, since the men, seen in 
the distance, were clearly bushwhackers. It was night- 
fall before he found the chicken he was after, and by the 
time he was making his way back, darkness settled down. 
He had to pass through a strip of woods where every object 
was distorted and even a deaf man would have heard 
sounds. Halfway through the woods, a real noise in 
the roadside bushes made his hair begin to rise, but he 
did not stop to investigate too closely, when the climax 
was reached by six or seven razorback hogs dashing across 
the road in front of him. The sudden change from prob- 
able guerrillas to actual swine was a relief unutterable, 
but the former were about and that very night carried off 
two men from the headquarter's wagon train. While the 
sergeant enjoyed his chicken broth and improved thereon, 
he declared the risk too great and Fred went on no more 
such errands. 

It was a four o'clock call of the bugle, in the morning of the 
14th, that summoned frost covered and sleepy soldiers 
from dreams to realities, but their distress was somewhat 
offset by the appearance of rations, of which they drew 
supplies for four days and thereby were better equipped 
for the day's progress which began at seven o'clock, as one 
veracious chronicler states, with the First Corps on the 
left and the Sixth at the right of the railroad. While these 
two Army Corps were thus continuing their way in rela- 
tive quiet, heavy firing in the rear indicated that the 
Second and Fifth Corps were having something to do, the 



Oct. 14, '63 Campaign of Maneuvers 117 

Second fighting the battle of Bristoe Station; General 
Warren having his hands full in warding off the attack of 
the enemy while the cavalry, on both sides, were piling up 
the portentous list of battles, many of them bloodless, 
which adorn the histories of so many mounted regiments. 
Centreville, so famous in the July days of 1861, was now the 
evident destination of the forces and crossing Bull Run, 
at Blackburn's Ford, the scene of the first day's fight in 
the memorable First Bull Run engagement, the brigade 
arrived at Centreville not far from noon. To build fires 
and to prepare a dinner, undisturbed, was the next act 
in this day's drama and, if tired soldiers caught a few hours 
sleep before the next scene, it need not be wondered at. 
Some of the men in the Thirty-ninth were participants 
in the disastrous battle of Bull Run ; to them it was a case 
of old scenes revisited, and if they took some pride in re- 
hearsing their experiences they did not fail of interested 
listeners. 

But the day was by no means done; though Centre- 
ville had been reached, the enemy was still near, only a 
little way to the west, and picket lines must be established. 
Accordingly the Regiment proceeded on its somewhat con- 
fusing task, while the greater part of the division went on 
a reconnoisance. Apparently there was little definite 
knowledge of localities, since one writer observed that they 
reached their destination at seven o'clock and marched 
around till eleven, and another of Company E relates the in- 
teresting experience of trying to obey the orders to follow 
Bull Run until the pickets of the Sixth Corps were reached. 
After crossing Cub Run, three miles away. Major A. D. 
Leavitt of the Sixteenth Maine, division-officer of the 
picket, went on ahead to ascertain his whereabouts, leav- 
ing the Regiment in a field. Returning in less than an 
hour, he reported a rebel camp in the immediate front; 
in trying to retire, the line was halted by our own pickets 
when it appeared that we had been more than a mile be- 
yond our own lines. On calling the roll, Sergeant Dusseault 



118 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

found that twelve men were missing. Major Leavitt would 
allow no one to go back after them but himself and he 
found the missing men fast asleep where we had been 
waiting. Bringing them all safe and sound to their own, 
established the reputation of the Major with the Thirty- 
ninth from that time on, as long as he lived. To one mem- 
ber of Company E, "Johnny" Locke, the memory of the 
Major was specially grateful, because of the latter's kind- 
ness. The young man had been suffering for days from a 
carbuncle on his neck; In any other place than the army, 
he would have been laid up completely, but here he kept 
going; he was one of those found by the officer and, recog- 
nizing the condition of the soldier, he kindly got down 
from his horse and mounted the boy in the saddle. Sidney 
himself could have done no more. 

The dawn of the morning of the 15 th did not reveal the 
situation with certainty to these inexperienced soldiers; 
they knew that they were very near the thrilling scenes 
of more than one and two years before, that the sound of 
musketry and cannon-firing in their front indicated the 
possibility of a third battle of Bull Run. It was theirs, how- 
ever, to watch and wait in constant expectation of orders 
to lend a hand. One writer enlarges on the delights of 
persimmon-eating, the October frosts having ripened the 
yellow delicacy to perfection, and the various other diver- 
sions that unoccupied hours ever suggest. Though the 
brigade was finally rejoined and there was a movement 
towards Centreville with orders to pitch tents, before the 
same could be obeyed a long threatened rain began to fall, 
putting out whatever fires had been built and essentially 
adding to the discomforts and uncertainties of the day. 
Rations were drawn late at night and record is made of the 
giving out of a portion of whiskey as a stimulant to the 
wet and weary soldiers. The experiences of the 16th and 
17th did not vary essentially from those of the 15th; there 
were picket duty, acting as reserve, the drawing of rations 
and all sorts of prognostications as to what the outcome of 



Oct. 18, '63 Campaign of Maneuvers 119 

the expedition would be. While the cavalry of both sides 
kept up an exchange of compliments, very few casualities 
were reported from any source. That those who directed 
believed there was immediate danger was evident in the 
degree of caution constantly maintained; roll-call every 
two hours and constant injunctions to be ready to move 
at any moment. 

The 18th marked the end of the Confederate effort to re- 
peat the campaign of the preceding June and July, and 
that of 1862. General Lee writing to his wife on the 19th 
of October says: 

I have returned to the Rappahannock. I did not pursue with the 
main army beyond Bristoe or Broad Run. Our advance went 
as far as Bull Run, where the enemy was entrenched, extending 
his right as far as Chantilly, in the yard of which he was building 
a redoubt. I could have thrown him farther back, but I saw no 
chance of bringing him to battle, and it would have only served 
to fatigue our troops by advancing farther. If they had been 
properly supplied with clothes, I would certainly have endeav- 
ored to have thrown them north of the Potomac; but thousands 
were barefooted, thousands with fragments of shoes, and all 
without overcoats, blankets or warm clothing. I could not bear 
to expose them to certain suffering on an uncertain issue. 

From the foregoing it would seem that only the Con- 
federate cavalry had been responsible for the Federal 
activity in and about the old Bull Run battlefields, and 
now even the horsemen were to follow the foot forces and 
the Union troops would again move west and southward. 
Ordered out and to pack up in the morning of the 19th 
the prospects were not improved by a severe rain storm 
which completely drenched both tents and apparel so that, 
to regular burdens, was added the weight of water absorbed 
by the fabrics. Starting at about eight o'clock, the route 
was along the Warren ton turnpike, the very road, so promi- 
nent in all accounts of the two Bull Run fields, with the 
sad sights of only partially covered bodies of those who had 
perished in the engagements; the severe rain was con- 
stantly adding to the heaviness of the way and Thorough- 



120 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

fare Gap, the reputed destination of the march, seemed a 
very long distance off. The vicinity of Haymarket on 
the Manassas Gap Railroad was reached about 4 p. m. 
and the noise ahead indicated a fear that the enemy was 
there in force, our artillery keeping up a vigorous shelling 
of what was thought to be the rebel position. Camps were 
made and tents pitched only to have the vexatious order 
"Pack up" given just as we were disposed to get a bit of 
rest. Rations, too, were scarce and everything combined 
to make the day and night particularly trying; at 3.30 
p. m. or thereabouts of the 20th an advance was made 
through Thoroughfare Gap, though there were those who 
thought "No Thoroughfare," on account of the difficul- 
ties of the way, would be a better designation. 

The 21st was spent in camp which was pitched on such 
a hilly surface that at least two bunkies had to stake a 
board at their feet, lest they slide from under their blankets. 
Every one remarked on the beauty of the locality and 
comments were made on the five storied flouring-mill 
standing in the Gap, the same being thought the finest 
edifice yet seen in Virginia. Notwithstanciing the recent de- 
struction of railroads on the Confederate retreat, so quickly 
were repairs made and so immediate the communications be- 
tween the different departments that a wagon supply train 
came through in the afternoon and hungry men were fed 
once more. One man said his breakfast had consisted of 
half a hardtack; the same writer, his stomach being at 
rest, could enlarge on the beauties of the moonlight in the 
evening. Poetic thoughts are not prevalent in the presence 
of hunger. The 22d brought inspection, an indication 
that the officers, at least, thought us anchored for a while; 
the 23rd was marked by a battalion drill, another sign of 
permanency and, to complete the soldiers' happiness, 
quartermaster's stores appeared so that many defects and 
wants in uniform were supplied. 

While every prospect was pleasing, it was not for sight- 
seeing that these men in blue were so far from home and 



Oct. 23, '63 Campaign of Maneuvers 121 

all realized that a long stay here was out of the question, so 
the orders to be ready for a start at seven o'clock of the 24th 
surprised no one. A very heavy, cold rain had been fall- 
ind during a large part of the preceding night, hence wet 
tents increased the burdens of travel while empty haver- 
sacks reminded the owner of an equally vacant stomach. 
Every day, during an active campaign, reminded all con- 
cerned of the truth of the old adage that an army, like a 
snake, moves upon its belly, and Oliver Twist, ever insis- 
tant on more, was reproduced in every healthy soldier in 
the Potomac Army. Only the few who had provided for 
a possible lacking of rations had anything to eat this morn- 
ing, hence no time was lost in preparing breakfast. It was 
through a pitiless rain that the day's march, beginning- 
early in the forenoon, was made back through Thorough- 
fare Gap; following the railroad as nearly as possible, 
luckily the grade being down rather than up; fording 
streams, especially Broad Run, though they could make 
the men no more wet than they already were from the 
rain; through Haymarket, Gainesville to Bristoe Station, 
the scene of the Second Corps' fight on the 14th. On every 
hand were evidences of the fierce encounter, as dead horses 
and the many graves of the slain. Though the most of 
the brigade halted here, the Thirty-ninth and the Ninety- 
fourth New York had not reached their limit, and they 
continued until Kettle Run was reached. 

The special duty assigned to these two regiments was 
the guarding of the railroad, which had been repaired to 
this point and the bridge which was in process of building; 
all were exceedingly tired from the long day's exactions; 
there was no food to cook for supper but they could build 
big fires and dry to some extent their drenched apparel, 
and then seek rest and the sleep which hovers near the 
wet and weary. Sunday, the 25th, dawned bright and beau- 
tiful, its warmth imparting sun soon dried what the fires 
of the night before had failed to do and, had there only 
been rations for the hungry men. they might have been in 



122 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

a better mood for enjoyment. Ten of the clock brought 
inspection, as inevitable as death itself; before noon the 
anxiously expected rations appeared and, with them dis- 
posed of, the Regiment was ready for any duty that might 
be assigned. With the food also came some articles of 
apparel, so that long needed blankets made nights more 
comfortable. For eleven days or until the 5th of Novem- 
ber, this locality, the camp having been changed a bit and 
more carefully laid out, became the habitat of the Thirty- 
ninth. It was during the night of the 25th that Lieutenant 
I. D. Paul of Company F came near losing his life; orders 
had been given to those on guard to challenge no one but 
to shoot at sight; only the recognition of his shoulder 
strap saved the popular officer's falling a victim to the very 
orders that he had himself given out. 

Though the camp was to continue quite a while for an 
active campaign, the men did not know it, nor anyone 
else for that matter, so orders to be ready for a move were 
not unheard during this period of comparative rest; still 
the regular routine of roll-calls, drill, etc., was resumed, 
for absolute ease was unknown to members of the Thirty- 
ninth. The season being the last of October, the weather 
was sharp, the rains cold and need of warm clothing appa- 
rent. The 29th brought quite a rarity in the shape of a 
ration of "soft bread" as the soldiers always called the 
baker's product, in the shape of loaves, in distinction from 
the hard bread or the regulation hardtack, the real standby. 
The last day of the month was written down as the date 
of muster for two months' pay and the fact that food 
was abundant, since, being right on the railroad, by means 
of steam, rations came direct from Washington. On Tues- 
day, November 3rd, there was a brigade drill, conducted 
by Colonel Leonard of the Thirteenth Massachusetts, 
commanding the brigade, and the giving out of eight days' 
rations had a decided look towards a change of camps. 
The 4th was signalized by the arrival of boxes from home 



Nov. 4, '63 Campaign of Maneuvers 123 

and many a boy's heart, as well as stomach, was made 
glad by evidence of home regard and recollection. 

While the men regretted leaving their comparatively 
comfortable camp, all realized that the mutations of war 
demanded almost constant action, so the orders while 
battalion drill was in progress to get ready for a move 
were not entirely a surprise; besides, the many rations of 
the day before were a warning. Arms having been stacked, 
tents were pulled down and everything made ready for the 
start, which was about 4 p. m., and a large part of the 
march to Catlett's station, some seven miles away, was 
made after dark, hence tedious, made all the more so by 
the burden of extra rations and a winter outfit of clothing 
and tent material. Some one has characterised the march 
as a helter-skelter one, every man "going on his own 
hook," without regard to regimental formation, let alone 
so compact a matter as a company; each man camped down 
where he could do so most comfortably; "there was no 
roll-call that night." The next day the soldiers found 
their own, and the Regiment moved half a mile or so from 
the night's bivouac and pitched tents on a side-hill, resum- 
ing the routine of regular camp life, and entry is made of 
the burning of the tall grass which grew near, necessitating 
some energetic work on the part of the campers to extin- 
guish, and the all too apparent exertions of the preceding 
twenty-four hours merited the whiskey ration which was 
dealt out. 

That no degree of permanency had yet been attained 
was evident when early orders were received to be ready 
to march at 6.30 a. m. of the 7th, and the start was made 
at 7, much nearer than usual to the allotted hour, and the 
trend was southward, through Warrenton Junction and 
Elktown to the vicinity of Morristown, a few miles from 
the Rappahannock. Not only was the entire First Corps 
in motion but the same was true of the Second and Third 
as well, all indications pointed to a resumption of the status 
prior to the October Northward move. Whatever the 



124 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

plans or purposes, they were not carried out without provo- 
cation to firing as appeared in the sounds from the river 
region; later knowledge acquaints us that the noise arose 
from portions of the Sixth and Fifth Corps at Rappahannock 
Station and the Third Corps at Kelly's Ford, disputing 
possession with the ever present and always vigilant enemy. 
The distance marched varied according to the one estimat- 
ing, the same ranging from fifteen to seventeen miles. 
In October, 4.30 a. m. is a long while before daylight, 
yet this was the time of waking on the 8th and, after the 
very essential coffee-making, the line was off soon after six 
o'clock. The first considerable halt was at Grove Church 
where were seen a large number of Confederate wounded 
from yesterday's engagements. 

BRANDY STATION 

The Rappahannock was crossed at Kelly's Ford by 
means of a pontoon bridge and, at 5 p. m., the Regiment 
was near Brandy Station, having marched ten or twelve 
miles; the route, where possible, was along the railroad 
which will be in operation to-morrow probably. Tents 
were pitched and large fires built and many were, pleased 
to find not so very far away the Tenth (Sleeper's) Massa- 
chusetts Battery which we had left at Poolesville and now 
is connected with the First Division, Third Army Corps 
and which, yesterday, had borne its part in the incidents 
of the day. Many a handshake and "Glad to see you" 
signalized the meeting. The earlier part of the 9th was 
passed in the halting place of yesterday, some of the men im- 
improving the chance to call on friends in the Tenth Bat- 
tery, but at two in the afternoon, the familiar "Pack-up" 
order was heard with the accompanying direction to be ready 
to march at four o'clock. A little before sunset, the start was 
made by a countermarch, recrossing the Rappahannock on 
the pontoon bridge and a long, wearisome, night trip followed, 
one of the features being the first snowstorm of the season, 



Oct. 10, '63 Brandy Station 125 

all tending to make a very tired lot of men, who were pushed 
along without halting to Licking Run, between Bealton 
andWarrentonJunction, possibly fifteen miles from the start- 
ing place, arriving a little past midnight. Very many fell 
out on the way quite unable to stand the pace, and those 
who did stick to the colors wasted no time in preparations 
for camp, but dropped at once and straightway fell asleep. 

The morning of the 10th revealed a tired array of men 
and a snow-covered earth, but human nature and human 
bodies rally readily. After a short move further into a 
considerable piece of woods, camp was pitched and prepa- 
rations were made for as comfortable a stay as possible, 
some of the men expressing the wish that they might remain 
a while because of the abundance of wood and water, and 
here they were to remain almost two weeks, though from 
them the fact was concealed ; probably no one knew what 
the future would unfold. There was work for many of the men 
repairing the railroad, some having to go into the woods 
to cut sleepers, others to assist with pick and shovel. This 
day, the 10th, the promotion of 1st Sergeant Dusseault, 
Company E, was announced and he was assigned to Com- 
pany H. as Second Lieutenant. Within this period, drills 
were resumed and all else that pertained to routine and 
efficiency; clothing was drawn, the Regiment was paid for 
September and October on the 16th and 17th and by a sin- 
gular coincidence the sutler made his appearance at the 
same time. Evidently some of the men were in arrears, as for 
that matter, most soldiers were wont to be. Considerable 
care was taken with the tents of both officers and men, 
the idea gaining credence that a prolonged stay might be 
made here, but neither army was ready, as yet, for winter 
quarters. 

Orders to move were circulated on the 22d and at four 
o'clock in the forenoon of the 23rd, drowsy men were 
summoned from their sleep to pack-up and be ready for 
another change, starting from their late camp at about sun- 
rise. On reaching Bealton, a union was effected with the 



126 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

remainder of the division and a few miles further, to- 
wards the Rappahannock, camp was made for the night, 
all realizing that cold weather was upon them and that the 
burdens, on the march by day, had to be heavy in order 
to insure any comfort for the night. Rain fell very easily 
during those days, and it was somewhat discouraging to 
have to turn out at 4 a. m. and, breakfasting at an early 
hour, to stand in line monentarily expecting the order, 
"Forward," and all the time pelted by the falling rain. 
After a while we were ordered to put up our tents again, 
a change of mind having been experienced higher up. 
Wednesday, the 25th, differed in no essential from its pre- 
decessor, though many of the men were wondering whether 
the mail, express or freight, would bring them anything 
from home by way of a reminder of Thanksgiving, due 
on the 26th, Disappointment was the lot of all, for authori- 
ties in Washington must have known of impending activity 
and so withheld what thoughtful friends had attempted 
to forward to the army; sutlers however put in an appear- 
ance, an ill-starred act, on their part, as the morrow was 
to show. 

MINE RUN 

Thanksgiving day in the North, November 26th, should 
be remembered as the beginning of the famous Mine Run 
affair, one of the greatest of the battles that were never 
fought. Judging from results in former years, when cam- 
paigning was undertaken at this season of the year, it would 
seem that winter quarters would be better proposition 
for the army than another forward movement, but General 
Meade, feeling that the Northern public demanded some 
aggressive movement on his part, determined to avail 
himself of the withdrawal of Longstreets' Corps and the 
remoteness of Lee's remaining Corps, Ewell's and Hill's, from 
each other, and to take the offensive. Ewell's men, under 
the command of General Jubal A. Early, Ewell being ill, 
held the Confederate right, the same resting on the Rapi- 



Nov. 26, '63 Mine Run 127 

dan at Morton's Ford, while Hill's forces in their disper- 
sion extended fully twenty miles to the southwest. Meade 
could lead 70,000 men into the assault, while Lee's troops 
were rated at 50,000; the lower fords of the Rapidan were 
quite uncovered, Lee depending for defence on a line of 
fortifications extending along the left bank of Mine Run, 
an insignificant stream, tributary to the Rapidan and enter- 
ing the same near Morton's Ford. The words of Robert 
Burns concerning the plans of mice and men never had 
better application than in the events of the following days. 
Had army corps crossed and attacked as projected, con- 
sidering the detached, not to say scattered, condition of the 
enemy, it seems as though he would have been beaten in 
detail. 

Had General French and his Third Corps started at the 
early hour named in the orders; had not the engineer mis- 
calculated the width of the stream and so provided too few 
pontoons for the bridge which had to be pieced out with a 
trestle; had not the banks of the river proved too precipi- 
tous for the artillery which had to go down to Germanna 
Ford and even then, if the Corps had not taken a wrong road 
and so fallen foul of Confederate General Edward Johnson 
and his forces, the entire story of the war might have been 
very different from what is written. In brief, the expedi- 
tion was scheduled to begin early in the morning of the 
23rd, but was delayed by the severe rain of that and sub- 
sequent days. The orders under which the start of the 
27th was made were that the Third Corps, General French, 
followed by the Sixth, General Sedgwick, should cross 
the Rapidan at Jacob's Mills; the Fifth, General Sykes, 
followed by the First, General Newton, was to cross at Cul- 
peper Mine, while the Second, General Warren, was to 
cross by the Germanna Ford, between the other fords 
named. With ten days' rations carried by the men, Gen- 
eral Meade was justifiable "in cutting loose from his base of 
supplies, and undertaking the feat in three columns of seiz- 
ing the plank road and turnpike and, by advancing rapidly 



128 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

towards Orange Court House, of turning the enemy's works 
and compelling him to give battle on ground not previously 
selected or prepared." 

That the expedition failed is history, its outlines have 
often been told in many places; our interest rests princi- 
pally in what the First Corps and Thirty-ninth Regiment 
were doing during these days of stroke and counter stroke. 
General John Newton, commanding the First Corps, in his 
report to the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, 
tersely narrates the doings of each day from Thursday, 
Nov. 26th, to Thursday, Dec. 3rd, both dates inclusive. 
Leaving the Third Division of the Corps guarding the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad from Rappahannock 
Station to Manassas, he advanced the other two divisions 
to the Culpeper Mine Ford, getting only one of them across 
by seven o'clock; starting at3. 30 a. m. of the 2 7th,.he reached 
the rear of Robertson's Tavern a little after 7 p. m. ; the 
Corps was roused at 3 a. m. of the 28th and put in posi- 
tion at the left of the Second Corpsand Robertson's Tavern; 
about seven o'clock the corps was ordered to advance, still 
keeping to the left of the Second Corps; advancing in two 
lines through the woods to near Mine Run, the enemy was 
discovered in line of battle to receive us. Establishing a 
picket line, with a little tiring of the enemy, the corps 
remained in position for the remainder of the day. Novem- 
ber 29th, an attack on the enemy being contemplated on 
the right and left, General Newton, in the centre, com- 
manded his own troops and some of the Fifth and Sixth 
Corps; at 8 a. m., agreeably to orders, cannonading began 
along his front, continuing a short time only; skirmishers 
were sent across Mine Run who performed their duties 
gallantly, losing in killed and wounded about forty men; 
under cover of the picket lodgment, four bridges were 
built, for later use if necessary; under advice from head- 
quarters the pickets were withdrawn to the Federal or 
east bank of the Run at 3 a. m. of the 30th and an hour 
later fell back to Germanna Ford to cover the crossing of 



Nov. 26, '63 Mine Run 129 

the Fifth and Sixth Corps. Dec. 1st all of the army re- 
crosses; Dec. 2d, under orders, leaving a single brigade 
at Germanna, proceeded to Stevensburg with the remain- 
der of the Corps; Dec. 3rd reached Paoli's Mills about 
noon and sent a brigade to Kelly's Ford. 

Returning to the 26th of November and confining our- 
selves to the work of the Thirty-ninth we find the same 
awakened at an early hour and starting out before four 
o'clock. The Rappahannock was again crossed at the 
station of the same name as the river. During a brief halt 
on the south side of the stream. Colonel Leonard, com- 
manding the brigade, read a telegram from headquarters, 
announcing the great victory of General Grant at Chatta- 
nooga and at least one soldier remarked, "That's good news 
to march on." With hourly halts, the extended march 
was not so tiresome as certain shorter though more rapid 
ones had proved. About 6 p. m. the Rapidan was crossed 
at Culpeper Mine, and ascending an elevation south of 
the river, a mile further along, camp was pitched for the 
night. Not a few commented on the change from Thanks- 
giving Day the year before, and still more remarked on the 
difference between the day at home and that passed in 
active campaigning; no cases of insomnia were heard of 
during the night, for all were tired and sleepy and "taps," 
if sounded, found very few waiting to obey. Eighteen 
miles were put down as the distance marched. 

Certain men were detailed as pickets, and it was their 
duty to see to it that no harm befell their sleeping com- 
rades; going on duty at ten o'clock last night, they came 
off at two this morning (27th) and an hour later the camp 
was alert with preparations to depart. Starting a little 
before daylight, we marched southward, passing through 
a part of the country very near the Chancellorsville battle- 
field of the preceding May and of the Wilderness, yet to 
be. After striking the Orange and Fredericksburg pike at 
eight o'clock in the morning, a halt was called and the men 
rested while the wagon and ambulance trains passed. The 



130 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

march continued till after dark, ending at Robertson's 
Tavern with a total distance covered of about thirty miles, 
from the starting point of yesterday. 

The 28th of November, Saturday, brought a part of the 
Regiment under fire. Before daylight an advance of a mile 
or so was made, followed by breakfast and the use of pick 
and shovel in entrenching and then a still further, though 
brief, advance. The sound of the skirmishing comes from 
front and battle line is formed; Companies C and E being 
detailed as skirmishers, they went forward some 300 yards, 
the regiment remaining behind the crest of the hill. As a 
Company C participant wrote, "It commenced to rain 
very soon and we lay on our bellies and watched the Rebs. ; 
their sharpshooters watched us closely and some were 
wounded. Benj. Dow of our company was shot through 
the leg,* but the boys were cool and stood their first fire like 
veterans; after lying thus all day' cold and wet through to 
the skin, we were relieved about eight o'clock and rejoined 
the Regiment, tired and hungry; the Rebs. are in good 
position and I doubt whether Meade will attack first." 

The night that followed, though quiet, brought very 
little comfort to the men, thoroughly chilled by .the rain 
of yesterday and, at 3 a. m. of the 29th, some of them 
were stirring to prepare the soldiers' solace, a cup of hot 
coffee. Everybody expected to storm the enemy's works 
at some time on this day; knapsacks were piled up that 
full use of all the muscles might be had. Old campaigners 
were writing their names and regiments on bits of paper 
and pinning them on their garments for identification since 
it seemed sure that the works could not be assailed with- 
out a terrible loss of life. A brigade of the Fifth Corps 
formed the first line of battle and our brigade came next; 
skirmishing between the rival lines prevailed all day. Shells 



*The wounding of Private Dow was the first bloodshed in the Regiment , 
and in token thereof he was promoted to be a corporal. As this was the only 
casualty in the Regiment, during the Mine Run campaign, the death which 
Col. T. W. Higginson gives in his stor>' of Massachusetts in the Army and Navy 
1861-65 must be an error. 



Nov. 29, '64 Mine Run 131 

even came over from the Confederates, but they drew no 
reply from our lines. The rebels having withdrawn across 
the Run, the same wider than usual through having been 
dammed, formed the line of separation between the blue 
and the gray. At nightfall, to shield themselves from the 
cold wind, trees were cut down for a shelter, and to the 
mercies of the night the soldiers again commended them- 
selves. 

Sunday was the last day of the month, and it seemed 
impossible that the day should pass without the long im- 
pending assault; three days' rations were distributed and 
the men were told that they must make them last five, a 
pretty severe exaction from an army which we have been 
told moves on its stomach. The attack did not take place, 
but there was a deal of activity in arranging the forces 
for the projected advance. It was understood by the lead- 
ing officers that in the early morn of the 1st of December 
there should be a simultaneous cannonading along the 
entire line to be followed by an assault by Warren and 
his massed forces, to be succeeded on the right by like ac- 
tion on the part of Sedgwick and his loyal Sixth Corps 
followers. The morning of the first day of winter came, 
but Warren did not order the assault as expected. To his 
practiced eye, the works erected and defended by the enemy 
were too strong for the attack and to his judgment Meade, 
himself, deferred when he had ridden to the extreme left 
and there saw their magnitude and strength. His messenger, 
who happened to be his own son, rode with breathless speed 
to countermand the orders of the day before and the Battle 
of Mine Run was not fought. At nightfall the backward 
movement began and at or near midnight, the Thirty-ninth 
with many other regiments was at the Rapidan once more. 

During the last of these Mine Run days, our Lieut. 
Colonel Peirson was in command of the division line of 
pickets, being officer of the day, and his experience was 
interesting for, entering upon his duties, he rode a white 
horse, furnished him at Division Headquarters, riding 



132 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

just in rear of the picket line until the plentitude of 
the enemy's bullets compelled him to alight and to walk 
or crawl the rest of the way. Desiring to cross a little ele- 
vation, he took the precaution, before exposing himself, 
of raising his cap upon his sword and, as it was the imme- 
diate target of several rebel bullets, he concluded that a 
more circuitous route would be preferable. So cold was 
it that men, in their falsely named "shelters" were frozen 
to death, as they held on to their posts to which the relief did 
not come. On reaching the desired point and, after driv- 
ing the enemy across a small stream which he later learned 
was not Mine Run but a tributary, with the assistance 
of a few pioneers he successfully bridged it for the passage 
of troops. In this labor he had the misfortune to fall into 
the water and, in a few minutes, was completely clad in 
icicles. Colonel Peirson was still advancing his line before 
reporting upon the situation, having discovered another 
branch of the stream which he was about to bridge, when 
the orders to fall back were received. 

The retreat is made across the river at Germanna Ford 
and to the Thirty-ninth is committed the task of seeing 
all safely over. We see the Fifth and Sixth Corps safely 
across, then our own troops, including our brigade; iinally 
the Regiment goes across, all save Companies C and F and 
then C is left alone; stragglers have passed over; appar- 
ently the last cavalryman is riding on the further side when 
the pontoons are taken up and, in the last boat, the Medford 
Company crosses over to join its fellows on the northern 
bank. The expected dash by Confederate horsemen did not 
take place and, chilled to the bone, the Union army after 
a rest of an hour proceeded to Stevensburg or near that 
point. Later, finding a suitable camping place, rationless 
and wearied, the men sought what comfort sleep might 
afford. Some of the soldiers find time to moralize on the 
outcome and they secure some satisfaction from the fact 
that if they did not assail the enemy, neither did the Rebels 
attack the Federals. Years afterward, General Early, in 



Dec, '63 Towards Wnter Quarters 133 

command in the immediate front of the Hne held by the 
First and Fifth Corps, wrote of the situation, "A direct 
attack from either side would have been attended with 
great difficulties, on account of the necessity of having 
to descend the slopes of Mine Run and then, after crossing 
that stream, to ascend the opposite slopes under the fire 
of artillery as well as infantry." Very few soldiers have 
ever been heard to criticise the wisdom of Warren's judg- 
ment or of Meade's acquiescence. 

TOWARDS WINTER QUARTERS 

In the forenoon of the 3rd, the Regiment marches a few 
miles to the vicinity of Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock 
where certain log huts built by the enemy and used by 
them until driven out on the 7th of November by the 
Third Corps are occupied; a diversity of opinion as to 
their condition is put down by certain scribes of the period, 
though Com.pany C comes up too late to get in at all. Some 
of the boys are very certain that winter quarters are to be 
right here on account of the nearness of wood and water 
but, meanwhile, the old duty of picketing is resumed and 
some of the Medford men find their line along the waters 
of Mountain Run. For three weeks there is little varia- 
tion in daily routine: drills, inspections, parades and the 
regular off and on for picket and guard duty. Meantime 
everyone finds time to try to retain whatever heat his 
fire may induce, but in spite of his efforts, as one boy writes, 
"We suffer with the cold every night." On the 5th, came 
orders to move, but happily they were soon countermanded. 
The 6th brought the sutler again and opportunity to in- 
vest money for creature comforts at exceedingly high rates. 
In these days, nen are able to exhibit their mechanical abil- 
ity, or the want of it, in their efforts to make comfortable 
and presentable the cabins in which they expect to pass 
the winter. Drills are suspended on the 11th that more 
time may be given to work on the huts. 



134 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

For the 12th and the 13th there are records of the arrival 
of boxes from the North; in one case, "The provisions are 
all spoiled"; in another, "All right, except the shirts and 
drawers which are missing." Had the latter case arisen 
while the men were in rebel prisons, the enemy would have 
had to bear the blame; it would appear that there were 
pilferers also among our own people. The regularity of 
the arrival and departure of mails affords these letter- 
writing soldiers no little pleasure. The weather is not so 
cold as that of New England at this time of the year, but 
it varies from bright sunshine to points away below freez- 
ing with an occasional flurry of snow, but however disagree- 
able it may be, all realize that it is harder still for the Con- 
federates, since they are not so well clad as we are. It is 
also a time for furloughs and, on the 19th, seven men from 
the Thirty-ninth start on a ten days' visit to the northern 
homes, the time spent there to be the very happiest in their 
entire lives. The 21st had special mention in the diaries, 
in that the chaplain attended two funerals of as many men 
belonging to the Regiment and that Colonel Davis began 
a ten days' leave of absence for a trip to the Bay State. 
The 23rd carries the record of wintery weather, made all 
the more so by having the ground covered with snow, the 
first time in the season, also the surprise for all, in that 
they are ordered to have everything in readiness to move 
tomorrow at five o'clock in the morning. Sad looks on sol- 
dierly faces follow this announcement, "for it is such a 
good place to spend the winter in." 

Though awakened at 3 a. m. and formed in line at 
at 4, it was 8 a. m. before the orders to march were heard. 
Not a little grumbling accompanied this departure on a 
cold wintry day from semi-comfortable quarters for new 
camping places. One man's observations come down to 
us thus: "Why couldn't they let us sleep a while longer 
and then let us prepare and eat our breakfast, rather than 
make us stand in line on such a cold, cheerless morning?" 
Had all kept diaries the entries would have differed in no 



Dec. 24, '63 Towards Winter Quarters 135 

essential from the foregoing. The day proved to be a good 
one for marching and after reaching Brandy Station, the 
course was along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 
through Culpeper Court House to a point possibly four 
miles beyond, when it was found that the Regiment had 
lost its bearings, thus necessitating a bivouac in a conven- 
ient stretch of woods. The burden of extra winter necessi- 
ties and the frozen earth made the eighteen miles' march 
a trying one. Though it was ' ' The night before Christmas ' ' 
and many thoughts wandered northward to far away homes 
where the loved ones dwelt, there was little of the divine 
flavor to the night which settled down and enfolded these 
armed men, on the very outposts of the Union Army. 

Christmas dawned as expected, but it did not seem just 
as it would under other circumstances; the "Merry Christ- 
mas" that passed from mouth to mouth seemed to lack 
some of the home fervor, yet all put the best foot forward 
and, determining to make the best of it, there was more than 
one expression of wonder as to whether "We'll be here a 
year hence?" Luckily, boxes from home came to cheer 
some of the men, a real demonstration of Santa Claus, 
and all the more welcome for this reason; the entire First 
Corps was included in this movement and the many camp- 
fires, that lit up the night, gave a gloss to what otherwise 
might have been cheerless ; song and story made the even- 
ing pass rapidly away, and the ever melodious "taps" set 
these patriotic North men to slumber and the sweetest 
of dreams. There was an inspection in the forenoon of 
the 26th and orders to be ready to march in the afternoon. 
Starting at 3 p. m., the trip was only about two miles 
still nearer the Confederacy, along the railroad, halting 
at or near Mitchell's Station, the very last before reaching 
the Rapidan; here in a large field the brigade encamped 
in column by regiments. Rain falls on the 27th and this, 
coupled with the marshy character of the fields in which 
the Regiment is camped, makes moist beds for the men, 
though they try to obviate the situation by tearing boards 



136 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

from an unoccupied house and by the use of boughs and 
branches in getting the bunks off the saturated ground, 

MITCHELL'S STATION 

In the matter of residents, it could not be said that 
Mitchell's Station was exactly densely inhabited, but 
where was there ever a girl whom someone did not admire 
and, if possible, make her acquaintance? One family, with 
the staunchest of German names, in which the sons had 
gone into the rebel army, had a father, mother and three 
grown-up daughters. When sober, the "old man" claimed 
to be a good Union man; when drunk, as was sometimes 
the case, he was an out and outSecesh; as to the girls, it 
made no difference what their affiliations were; they were 
girls and that was enough. One evening, three officers 
called at headquarters and asked the privilege of calling 

on the Y girls; "LTmph," exclaimed Colonel Davis, 

I verily believe half the officers in the Regiment are there 
already, but you may go if you think it will do you any 
good." 

With the 28th comes Sutler Pullen again and until after- 
noon the rain continues ; the 29th does not bring the change 
of camping place that so many wish. During the day, 
Colonel T. F. McCoy (One Hundred and Seventh Penn.), 
commanding in the absence of Colonel Leonard, compli- 
ments the entire brigade on the cheerfulness and fortitude 
of the men and their endurance in marching in the cold 
and stormy weather; he also calls attention to the exposed 
position of the brigade, being the nearest the enemy and 
warning every one to be on the lookout constantly. On 
this day also was promulgated the plan to secure reenlist- 
ments of the men, with the promise of a thirty days' fur- 
lough and a large bounty. The proposition did not appear 
to find much favor with the Thirty-ninth, although all of 
the men would appreciate that month at home. The 30th 
brought orders to be ready to march on the morrow. Decem- 



Dec. 28, '63 Mitchell's Station 13^ 

ber goes out with mud and moisture much in evidence; 
the camp is moved in the forenoon less than a mile, thereby 
finding better conveniences in a piece of woods. Major 
Leavitt of the Sixteenth Maine musters the Regiment for 
pay, and l.ieut. Colonel Peirson performs a like act for the 
Maine soldiers. Colonel Davis gets back from his furlough, 
having walked from Culpeper last night in the dark and 
through the mud. Here, then, ends the year with its re- 
cord of Gettysburg and Chattanooga, but for our Regiment, 
with all its preparation, marching and undeviating per- 
formance of duty, its fiery ordeal is yet to come. 

1864 

January 1st the day dawned bright and cold, the weather 
having cleared in the night; the mud and the streams 
have taken on the repose of winter, but, if any protection 
against the inclement season is to be had, the m.en must 
get to work at once and this they do, cutting down trees 
to fashion therefrom the primative habitations that the 
early settlers of all new countries have had to make. Though 
the men do not know it, and though there will be many 
rumors of departures, they may even pack up at times yet, 
until the last of April, Mitchell's Station will be the P. O. 
address of the Thirty-ninth Regiment, but winter in camp 
is no trifling matter with a regular routine of camp duties, 
besides the necessity of maintaining the utmost vigilance 
towards the foe. Hence the building of quarters cannot 
be effected in a day or week, in the meantime the ordinary 
shelter tent affords only slender protection against the 
wind and cold. It is to be a second winter's experience 
with our Regiment, hence the building of log huts is not an 
innovation; all that is needed are time, tools and material. 
For several months the Rapidan is to be the most generally 
named stream in the eastern part of the Union, for along 
its northern banks are to camp the several corps which 
make up the Army of the Potomac and, evcr>' day thou- 



138 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

sands of letters to far away homes will tell the people there 
what is doing down in "Old Virginny." For four months 
a thin line of blue will patrol its shores for more than 
twenty miles and equally vigilant men in gray, will keep 
their watch upon the south side. With the Second Corps 
on the extreme Union left, with headquarters near Stevens- 
burg, the Union army stretches to the westward till it 
terminates with the First Corps, which will furnish infantry 
pickets on a line of cavalry outposts. 

South of the river, the Confederates are guarding an 
equal distance, yet there will be very little indication of 
hostility, vsomething like an armed neutrality, each line of 
sentinels quite content to be let alone; there is however 
this difference between the two armies, one has all that 
boundless means can supply to make its soldiers comfort- 
able, the other wanting nearly everything that would con- 
tribute to personal enjoyment. The lack of clothing and 
camp outfit had become such that winter with its rigors 
became far more an object of fear to the enemy than any 
army the Yankees might send against them. Thomas 
Nelson Page, in his Life of General Lee, has this to say 
concerning the Confederates in camp along the Virginia 
Central Railroad: 

Lee's army was in a state of such destitution that it is a wonder 
that the men could be kept together. Only their spirit enabled 
them to stand the hardships of the winter. Barefooted and 
hungry, they stood it throughout the long months of a Virginia 
winter, and when it is considered that until they joined the army 
many of these men had never seen snow, and that none of them 
had ever experienced want of adequate clothing, their resolution 
is a tribute to their patriotism that can never be excelled. That 
Lee himself endured hardships and suffered with them in their self 
denial was sufficient for them. .... From his camp, General Lee 
writes to his wife on January 24, 1864, "I have had to disperse 
the cavalry as much as possible to obtain forage for their horses, 
and it is that which causes trouble. Provisions for the men, too, 
are very scarce, and with very light diet and light clothing, I 
fear they will suffer, but still they are cheerful and uncomplain- 
ing. I received a report from one division the other day in which 



Jan. 1, '64 Mitchell's Station 139 

it was stated that over four hundred men were barefooted and 
over one thousand were without blankets." 

During the early January days, all the time that could 
be secured from regular duties was devoted to house build- 
ing, and every man worked with a will, since the weather 
was extremely cold, the amount of clothing possessed be- 
ing insufficient, in the open air, to maintain warmth; some 
of the men resorted to the old fashioned practice of putting 
a heated stone at their feet to help make them comfortable, 
every one thus getting a notion of what it meant to build 
homes in the wilderness as so many pioneers had done. 
Because of so many of the men in Company C having been 
ship carpenters when at home, a large part of the company 
was detailed to work on the houses, though the Woburn 
delegation (K) was not far behind with its thirteen men 
selected to use axe, saw, hammer and plane. The arrival 
of packages from home, from time to time, did much to 
lessen grumbling and the coming in of seven deserters on 
the 6th, barefooted and telling pitiful stories of the condi- 
tions across the Rapidan, made the Yankees more nearly 
comfortable just by way of contrast. With big fires burn- 
ing, we were sure of one side being warm, even if the other 
was almost freezing. However, song and story wiled away 
many a long evening before trying to woo the goddess, sleep, 
in comfortless shelter tents. In the demands of picket, camp, 
regiment and brigade guard there was something in the 
guard-way for nearly every man, every day, so the houses 
did not grow any too rapidly. 

Such entries in the diaries of the period as, "mudded 
our hut to-day," would mean little to the novice unless 
told that this meant the stopping of the spaces between 
the log cob-pile which constituted the walls of the habita- 
tion, with real old Virginia soil, properly mixed with a cer- 
tain amount of water and, when plentifully applied, was 
warranted to stand indefinitely, keeping out the much 
dreaded wind. The same material judiciously mingled 
with sticks, staves, boards or boxes made the chimney-exit 



140 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

for the smoke produced in the fireplace, which was a neces- 
sary feature of every cabin.* Making the quarters for the 
squad that was to hold and occupy did not end the enhsted 
man's duties, for he had also to take a hand in the fabrica- 
tion of similar structures for his company officers and then 
to do his part in behalf of the care and comfort of the Field 
and Staff. Nor did the chain end here, since there must be 
places for the retention and protection of commissary 
and quartermaster stores and, never to be forgotten, were 
all the improtant, superlatively useful yet ever railed at, 
"The good old army mules," and who should build their 
shelters, if not the men for whom they had drawn through 
so many miles the supplies which fed and clothed the sol- 
diers? 

The long delayed Thanksgiving dinner came to "C," 
the Medford company, on the 10th and a relay of clothing 
such as, "Nice flannel shirts and drawers, socks, mittens 
and a few caps for nights." The company received them 
very gratefully and the friends at home would be more 
than paid, could they see how thankful the men were. "We 
eat our dinners to-morrow," says the scribe. The details 
of the dinner, eaten on the 11th, are not uninteresting; re- 
membering that twenty-two men had been discharged 
from the company, that some men were on detached ser- 
vice and that many were in the hospital, the fact, that less 
than forty were present for duty and the dinner will not 



*Long years intervening, General Peirson recalls the existence of a certain 
church edifice, out Slaughter Mountain way, which in a former campaign had 
afforded cover for a rebel battery and that the same, issuing from its conceal- 
ment, had done no little harm to the Second Massachusetts Infantry, even 
wounding several of his good friends. Lest it might be used thus again, and 
with a certain feeling of resentment as though the building had been particeps 
criminis, he suggested to the builders of the winter quarters that the siding 
of the house and its foundations might help out their own building schemes. 
"A word to the wise" was sufficient, and ere long the structure disappeared, to 
reappear as flooring and chimneys for Yankee comfort. The story does not 
end here, since many years later the officer was introduced, at the home of a 
Boston friend, to a Virginian lady whose mission North was the soliciting of 
funds for the rebuilding of the very edifice whose destruction he had suggested. 
The General's memory seemed defective when asked whether he responded 
liberally or not. 



Jan. 10, '64 Mitchell's Station 141 

seem so strange. Owing to the limited number, the liber- 
ality of material for that feast is conspicuous; they might 
have called in some of their less fortunate neighbors and 
then have had a very large meal for themselves ; the record 
is, "One turkey and one pudding for every four men; one 
half a mince pie per man with sauces for turkeyand pudding, 
also the real old orthodox cranberry, redolent of the Cape, 
besides, pickles, cheese and condensed milk." The folks 
at home did nothing by halves and how many hours of care- 
ful and diligent labor in those northern homes did this 
magnificent layout represent! 

Everday life in these winter-quarter days of the Army 
of the Potomac are a practical illustration of the old maxim, 
"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty"; for, despite 
the efforts given to hut building, all the men are really 
under arms or the next thing to it. "Men are obliged to 
wear their equipments twenty-four hours" and an immedi- 
ate response is expected to every order, A few recruits 
are joining the Regiment, not exactly a pleasant season of 
the year in which to be broken into the routine of military 
life, yet the proper officers take them in charge and begin the 
breaking-in process. On the 12th, remains of the great 
Company C dinner are sent over to the sick at Culpeper, 
and those who are not users of the weed distribute their to- 
bacco, also from Med ford, among those who are not so 
abstemious. Notwithstanding all of the alert watchful- 
ness, the enemy seems to be perfectly quiescent and, prob- 
ably, perfectly willing that we should be. After a deal 
of policing and general slicking up, the 16th brings the 
monthly inspection, conducted by Lieutenant Bradley 
of the brigade staff. The habits of the far off homes are 
fixed and in the evening of Sunday, the 17th, might be 
heard the sound of many voices as they joined in singing 
the songs and hymns of childhood; "a splendid, moon- 
light evening." 

Deserters and contrabands are frequently discovered 
fording the Rapidan, whose chilly waters have less terrors 



142 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

for the escaping parties than the tribulations left behind. 
In the night of the 19th the firing of the Confederate guards 
hastened the steps of some deserting rebels and prevented 
the departure of others. The cabins having been constructed 
and occupied, the men are now making corduroy side- 
walks, by laying moderate lengths of poles side-by-side, 
crossways of the walk itself, and, thus, are able to get about 
without being lost in Virginia mud. Many a remark is 
heard on the admirable appearance of the camp, all agree- 
ing that it is the best in the brigade, and some even lay 
that claim as against the entire Army of the Potomac. 
Company H and a part of "K" go out on a reconnoisance, 
Thursday, the 28th. Towards the end of the month, unus- 
ual stir is observed among the enemy, apparently fresh 
troops are replacing those long on guard, possibly through 
fear that all of the latter will desert; our own camp also 
has a spell of falling-in according to orders and, on the 
29th, we packed up at 5 a. m., stacked arms and awaited 
further orders, sorry enough at the prospect of quitting 
the comfortable quarters, so recently completed. Fortu- 
nately for us, it all blew over and the Second Brigade 
moved instead. On this same day our eyes were gaddened 
by the unusual sight of a lady in camp, the same being 
the wife of General Maj. John Newton, commanding the 
First Corps, who accompanied the General and Division 
Commander, General Robinson, and their respective staffs, 
all on a tour of observation. A dull, though not stormy 
day closed the month with regular inspection and we see 
a Confederate major and three men brought in as captives 
by the cavalry. 

February starts off full of rumors as to the future of the 
Regiment; one says it is to join an expedition to Texas; 
another sends us home to be recruited to full ranks, while 
still another sends us back to become a part of the Sixth 
Corps. Who can explain the starting of so many baseless 
reports? The weather, early in the month, is cold yet 
there are few breaks in regular routine, if parades, drills 



Feb. 1, '64 Mitchell's Station 143 

and inspections can be injected between the many calls 
for picket duty. A hospital is in process of erection near 
the surgeon's quarters and it is a fine building, consider- 
ing the circumstances under which it is going up. There 
is talk, also, of a chapel or schoolroom for the use of officers 
and men. The 5th of the month, late at night, came the 
summary orders to be ready to move early in the morning, 
reveille to be at 3 a. m. The drawing of rations, etc., kept 
us busy until one o'clock in the next morning, hence not much 
sleep, but no end of grumbling. Reveille sounded accord- 
ing to programme on the 6th ; the men turned out, cooked 
their breakfasts, packed their tents and were ready to 
start before daylight. At seven o'clock the orders came to 
replace the tents and to resume regular camp life. This 
break in the usual calm was explained as an incident in the 
movement of the Second Corps to Morton's Ford, on the 
Rapidan, as a supplementary act to the proposed attempt 
of General B. F. Butler from the south against Richmond. 
As Butler's plan proved abortive, activity on the part of 
the Second Corps subsided at once and things were soon 
as they had been. 

Sunrise, gilding the snowy tops of the Blue Ridge Moun- 
tains, awakens the sensibilities of some of the men as the 
10th day of the month begins and, later in the day, the 
paymaster makes all happy with compensation for services 
rendered up to December 1st. General Robinson and staff, 
accompanied by ladies, also by some of the corps staff- 
officers, rode into camp on the 12th, evidently thinking it 
one of the show places of the cantonment. Over the fact 
that the men left in camp, the Regiment being on picket, are 
all merged in two companies and these go on dress parade 
prompts one commentator to remark that he supposes if 
only one man were left in camp, he would have to appear 
at the regular time on parade. Injudicious use of the 
ardent was the probable reason for the advent of a Thir- 
teenth Massachusetts' party evidently bent on mischief. 
Whatever they came for, the colonel cut short the career 



144 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

of a sergeant and a private by placing them under arrest 
and so returning them to their Regiment. How strange it 
is, that men will tolerate an evil that makes such fools of 
them! The evening of this day was brilliantly illuminated 
by great forest fires on both sides of the Rapidan. The 
coming of Major William Thorndike, the new surgeon, is 
chronicled on the 15th; Surgeon Calvin G. Page, on account 
of disability, had been discharged Nov. 16, 1863. The 
16th is so cold that large quantities of wood are brought 
in from the forest for the building of fires just for the 
warmth thereof. The new hospital is opened and much is 
expected from it. 

The 20th of February marked the dedication of the new 
chapel, whose building had taken the time and strength 
of the soldiers, some of them, for a number of days. Nicely 
decorated and appointed, the men were not a little proud 
of their place of worship. Chaplain French had charge of 
the exercises; the band of the Sixteenth Maine was pres- 
ent and most obligingly discoursed appropriate music. 
Among the people who crowded the interior were Colonel 
Leonard of the Thirteenth Massachusetts with his wife, 
Surgeon Alexander of the Sixteenth Maine and wife, with 
others. Compliments were dealt out to the men who had 
labored so zealously for the success of the project and 
Colonel Davis' remarks in this direction were especially 
happy. The next day was Sunday, and regular service 
was held in the new chapel. Apparently the 22d, Wash- 
ington's birthday, received no special attention. The new 
chapel afforded most excellent quarters for the regular 
meetings of the Aiasonic Lodge which had been one of the 
features of the Regiment for considerably more than a year. 
As far back as Offutt's Cross Roads, November 20, '62, the 
lodge had been instituted, under a special dispensation 
from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Grand Master, 
William D. Cooledge, the document bearing date, November 
13, 1862. 



Feb. 22, '64 Masonic Lodge 145 

MASONIC LODGE 

This original meeting was held at the regimental head- 
quarters, Colonel Davis presiding, he having been named 
as Worthy Master of the Putnam Army Lodge, No. 8, 
thus called in compliment to the East Cambridge Lodge 
of which he w^as a member. It appears that army posts 
were no innovations at this date as the number of this 
new one would indicate. Already lodges had been formed 
in the Third, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Twenty-fifth, Second 
and Fourty-eighth Massachusetts Regiments and later 
dispensations were granted to the Forty-second and the 
Thirty-second. Aside from the Master of Putnam Lodge, 
Colonel P. S. Davis, the officers were Henry B. Leigh ton, 
S. W. ; Capt. Geo. S. Nelson, J. W.; Capt. F. R. Kinsley, 
Treasurer; Lieut. Julius M. Swain, Secretary,; Daniel 
Henry, S. D.; Perry Coleman, J. D.; Lieut. Henry F. 
Felch, S. S. ; Lieut. Wm. T. Spear, J. S. ; Lieut. Willard 
C. Kinsley, Marshal; and John M. Curtis, Tyler. In the 
distribution of officers it would seem that army rank had 
no place, fraternal relations being the only line of consid- 
eration. By-laws for the proper management of the lodge 
along with blank forms for application for membership 
were adopted and, though the Third Thursday of each 
month was named as the regular meeting date there were 
far more special than regular assemblings. 

The second meeting of the lodge was in the Methodist 
chapel and when the Regiment moved back to Poolesville, 
the schoolhouse there was utilized, proper secrecy being 
gained by putting on guard, near the place of meeting, 
members of the order. Applications for membership came 
in rapidly and the record for the remainder of the calender 
year was twenty-three candidates admitted and seven- 
teen meetings, $580 being received for dues and degrees. 
From April 6 to July 15, in front of Petersburg, after the 
death of Colonel Davis, there was a lapse ; then the Lodge 
voted to bear the expense attending the return of the Colo- 



146 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

nels' remains to Massachusetts but, at the request of the 
family, the part of the lodge was confined to embalming 
and transportation to Boston, along with the expenses of 
Chaplain French, who accompanied the body on the sad 
journey to Boston. Help was given to the families of com- 
rades who had been killed or were in hospitals or rebel 
prison, October 16, '64, at Fort Dushane it was voted 
to pay the expenses of sending the body of Lieut. Wm. T. 
Spear, Company B, to Roxbury, the officer having died 
in hospital from wounds; the same consideration was 
shown to the remains of Lieut. Willard C. Kinsley when 
he has killed. The final meeting of the lodge was in the 
State House Boston, January 29, 1866, with fourteen mem- 
bers present when it was voted that of the remaining funds, 
$198, $50 should go towards a portrait of Colonel Davis 
and the rest for relief. The officers were given the regalia 
that they had worn; the Bible was given to the widow of 
the Colonel, the square and compasses to the East Cam- 
bridge Lodge, the remaining set to go to Brother Henry 
B. Leighton, the S. W. During the activities of the field, 
the Master, S. D., J. S. and Marshal were killed, the 
Treasurer and Secretary were captured. There are re- 
corded considerably more than fifty names of those voted in, 
while the brother, turning in the records, says that thirty- 
nine took the three degrees. 

MITCHELL'S STATION AND THE SCHOOL IN 

CAMP 

Channing Whittaker, Company B 

Our most ideal winter's camp before the Wilderness 
Campaign was that at Mitchell's Station. A more per- 
fect parade and drill ground could not have been desired. 
It had abundant length and breadth. It was the smooth 
level top of an extensive plateau. The log cabins of the 
officers were in a straight row where the slope to the rear 
began. The log cabins of the men stretched down the 



Feb., '64 The School in Camp 147 

slope toward a veritable Eldorado of firewood and drink- 
ing water. These log cabins were very comfortable. Each 
accommodated eight men. The entrance from the com- 
pany street was at the middle of its length. The fireplace 
and chimney were directly opposite the entrance. The 
living room was between the two. There were four bunks, 
two at each end with one above the other. Each bunk 
was long enough for a tall man to stretch out at full length 
with his head upon his knapsack and wide enough for two 
men to sleep comfortably, side by side. The cabins of the 
field officers had, of course, the right of the line. The 
chapel was more to the front and a little to the left of the 
cabins of the field officers. The pioneers who constructed 
Col. Davis' cabin and the chapel were master workmen. 
No keel of ship in New England shipyard had timbers 
hewn and dowelled into a substantial whole with more 
absolute perfection. I never shall forget the perfect de- 
light of an afternoon when, convalescing from a severe 
attack of measles, I was detailed to report at the Colonel's 
quarters. Here I was received by Lieut Colonel Peirson 
with a smile upon his face. He showed me that the cabin 
was not yet dry enough for occupancy, showed me the 
wood which I was to burn to dry it out, showed me the 
charming fireplace in which I was to burn it. If I remem- 
ber well its top was arched. Perhaps the arch had blocks, 
with a central one of keystone shape. He gave me a com- 
fortable seat and an entertaining book to read, by an army 
chaplain, "The Whip, Hoe, and Sword," by George H. 
Hepworth. The friendly behavior of the Lieut. Colonel, 
the restful charm of the roomy clean interior finished in 
natural wood showing its grain, the blazing fire in the 
big fireplace with its perfect chimney, and the extreme 
comfort of it all, after the discomforts of the measles, filled 
me with agreeable sensations and with gratitude to the 
Lieutenant Colonel. 

And the chapel! It may have been thirty by fifty feet 
mside. Its hewn oaken logs were perhaps twelve inches 



148 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

square, its roof was a fly that the Christian Commission 
had furnished. Its fireplace was huge, magnificent. The 
prayer meetings were held in it, the Freemasons used 
it as a lodgeroom, the Sons of Temperance had meetings 
there, and the regimental school for those who could 
neither read nor write nor cipher was held in it. I well 
remember the morning when Comrade John F. Locke, of 
Company E, and myself were detailed to report at the 
chapel and appointed to be the teachers of the school by 
Lieut. Colonel Peirson. I remember hearing the roll-call 
of the students of my own and of a neighboring company 
and the ugly muttcrings, the dissatisfaction, the almost 
mutinous emphatic expressions of discontent of some of 
those whose names had been called, because they had been 
detailed to attend a school. I fully expected trouble. A 
considerable number of men were in anything but a teach- 
able spirit. We met in the chapel, the Lieut. Colonel, the 
teachers, and thirty students, some of them bristling with 
unwillingness. But the Lieut. Colonel, who was always 
a gentleman, drew us all into a comfortable semi-circle 
about the hearth where the cheerful fire blazed. He told 
us of the personal benefits and advantages which it was 
hoped that the work in the school would bring to each 
student, and his manner and speech almost immediately 
disarmed the embryo antagonism, of the others in the 
group. When he finally asked if there were any present 
who desired to be relieved from attendance at the school, 
not a man wished to withdraw, all were glad of the oppor- 
tunity. The antagonism had melted away like a mud- 
puddle in the light of a July sun. And the antagonism 
never returned. I have taught many hundreds of stu- 
dents since but none who were more interested, more at- 
tentive, more constant. Each of the men learned to write 
his name. Seven wrote letters home before we broke 
camp, to the great delight of themselves and their families. 
Twenty-three made especially commendable progress in 
reading and arithmetic. Our text and copy books had been 



Feb., '64 The School in Camp 149 

the generous gifts of Colonel Davis and his brother Robert. 
The Lieut. Colonel had offered a gold pen and case as a 
prize to the man who should gain the greatest proficiency 
in writing. All of the written exercises were carefully 
preserved from the beginning and, when the time came to 
award the prize, it was almost impossible to say whether 
it had been won by Johnny Gibbs of Company A, a brick 
layer, who was well along in years or by Daniel Lines, a 
carriage painter. For year after year the good right hand 
of Johnny Gibbs had clasped the small handle of a trowel. 
Its active exercise in that cramped position with the acrid 
lime sometimes in contact with it had caused its bones 
and cords and muscles to grow out of shape. He could no 
longer open it much more than enough to enter and remove 
a trowel handle. He could not hold a pen in usual posi- 
tion. There were sharp crooks made at the joints of his 
right thumb and forefinger when he brought them together, 
and there were similar crooks in his capital O's when he 
wrote his best. But his handwriting, though characteris- 
tic, was absolutely clear. It was perfectly easy to read. 
He had mastered his hand for the purposes of a writer. 
Despite the crooks he wrote a handsome hand. The hand 
of Daniel Lines had gained a wonderful cunning in the 
business of a carriage painter. He could do what he would 
with a camels-hair brush, when making scrolls and stripes 
and decorations. He brought to his copy book the artistic 
power of a hand over which he had a complete control. 
From the beginning his double-reversed curves were lines 
of beauty. At the end his writing had almost the perfec- 
tion of the copyplate. There was no possible doubt that 
Daniel Lines' writing was more beautiful than that of any 
other pupil in the school, but which had gained the great- 
est proficiency in writing in the school, he or Johnny Gibbs? 
The teachers were puzzled. They called in the Lieut. 
Colonel as referee. He too was in doubt and suggested 
that Gibbs and Lines should draw lots. The lot fell to 
Gibbs. On Sunday, the 21st of August, 1864, Johnny 



150 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Gibbs and his teacher, John F. Locke, were taken prisoners 
in a battle on the Weldon Railroad. They were both very 
sick, together, in that fearful prison in Salisbur}^ North 
Carolina. There were no tender-hearted, white-capped, 
trained nurses there, to keep in extreme cleanliness the 
clothing of the very sick. But the gratitude, the compas- 
sion, the smypathy of the old man for his youthful teacher 
became too strong. Like many another soldier who has 
volunteered to dare almost certain death in a forlorn hope, 
weak Johnny Gibbs washed the soiled clothing of John 
Locke. Within a day, Johnny Gibbs was dead. 

STILL IN CAMP. 

Incessant picket duty has marked the month of February 
with a great variety of weather and the men are not sorry 
to see the 29th day. Leap Year's allotment, for they know 
that they are just so much nearer the end of the war and 
their consequent return to their homes. A spring feeling 
begins to be felt on both sides of the river and indications 
of activity are discovered among the Confederates, and at 
least twice recently orders have been given for the prepa- 
ration of rations for the haversacks, as though some sort 
of a move were contemplated. On this final day of the 
month, the Regiment is mustered for two months' pay, 
while drill, inspection and parade have their accustomed 
places. Doubtless very few are aware of the hardening 
effect upon the bodies of the men this regular and constant 
round of discipline is having; the same will appear in the 
exactions of the coming months. While February is expir- 
ing thus quietly with our Regiment, in the First Corps 
Kilpatrick is making his famous raid towards Richmond, 
having started on the night of the 2Sth, crossing the Rapi- 
dan at Ely's Ford and, with Colonel Dahlgren's forlorn 
hope, is entering upon a project which will make history 
rapidly. To cover this attempt, a diversion of Confederate 
attention is made by the Sixth Corps and a cavalry force 



Feb. 29, '64 Still in Camp 151 

under Custer. Passing through the camps of the Third 
Corps, Sedwick and his men move out towards Madison 
Court House, while Custer and his mounted force push 
on to Charlottesville, where, on this final February day, 
hostile forces are contending within sight and sound of 
Monticello, the home and the tomb of Jefferson. 

March started off rainy and cold with usual rumors as 
to immediate orders for some sort of a move, but duty 
on the picket line continued just the same, and not a few 
remarked on the discomforts of those who had gone out to 
Madison Court House and were compelled to bivouac in 
the snow, into which the rain had changed. For the 2d 
day of the month, the return of the Sixth Corps and its 
cavalry accompaniment was chronicled, along with the 
fact that nothing had been heard from Kilpatrick. Even 
in wartimes, it did not always rain and the 3rd, being "a 
splendid day," some of the men climbed up the sides of 
Cedar or Slaughter Mountain for the view, and to look up 
traces of the fierce encounter, August 9, 1862, when the 
Second and Third Corps, Generals Banks and McDowell 
respectively, all under General John Pope, were beaten by 
"Stonewall" Jackson and his men. Having encamped so 
long under the shadow of the eminence, the trip was particu- 
larly enjoyable and there was no difficulty in locating many 
of the prominent features of the bloody day which served 
as a prelude to the still bloodier battle of Second Bull Run. 
A two hours' brigade drill on the 4th, under Colonel 
Leonard, took all available men to the extensive plains 
across Cedar Run. As an illustration of the degree to 
which neatness was carried, it should be stated that from 
their respective company funds pay was given to men, de- 
tailed for the purpose, who should do the company wash- 
ing, hence no excuse for uncleanliness would avail there- 
after. 

Sunday, the 7th, marked the relief of the Second Brigade 
on picket, and its return by train to Culpeper, while the 
First Brigade took its place. An order, promulgated March 



152 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

10th to the effect that all women In the camp must depart 
at once, was taken as a sign of Increased activity and the 
next day saw the departure of the visiting betterhalves for 
their northern homes. Further Indication of active cam- 
paigning appeared on the 12 th when the Colonel Issued 
an order directing the several captains to send back to 
Washington all dresscoats. John S. Beck, Company C, 
entered In his diary, the 14th, "In the evening, took 
the Second Degree In Army Lodge, No. 8, and Free and 
Accepted Masons," an unusual incident In army life; two 
nights later, he took his Third Degree. St. Patrick's Day, 
or the 17th, secured no recognition In camp, though large 
fires on the rebel side of the river betokened something 
doing there, yet the afternoon's sun, lighting up the hill- 
side on which the Confederates were encamped, revealed 
their tents still In place. The 18th, In the afternoon, 
witnessed no end of hurry and bustle as all effects were 
packed, even to removing tents from the cabin roofs, and 
all were to be in readiness to move at once. It was the 
general agreement that Stuart and his lively followers 
were surely In the saddle. With stacked arms and expec- 
tant hearts, the next order was awaited and, at 5.30 p. m., 
it came, not to fall in and "Forward," but the bubble- 
burst words heard so often, "As you were," with a resump- 
tion of regular camp routine and duties. 

The signing of pay-rolls on the 19th was a sure sign of 
the approach of the paymaster and the perfection of the 
weather gave light hearts to all, though a clergyman of the 
Methodist Church South, slezed outside our lines for con- 
ducting certain of Stuart's men to the capture of one of 
our pickets may have had a leaden heart as he was dis- 
patched on his way to Washington, there to account for 
his conduct; bearing the name of Garnett, he must have 
belonged to one of the best families of the Old Dominion. 
The 20th was Sunday, not usually a pay day, but were 
there signs of activity it was thus employed and, as the 
paymaster came on this date, the event was considered a 



Mar. 20, '64 Still in Camp 



153 



pretty sure sign of a movement; so late did he begin, it was 
8 p. m. before the last company was reached. Much to 
the disgust of all who had thought winter over and past, 
snow began to fall on the 22nd. By nightfall the ground 
was white with it, the wind blowing as in an old-fashioned 
"nor'-easter," so that the on 23rd there was a foot of 
snow lying around and all hands had to turn out and shovel 
the same out of the streets and from the parade ground, 
which was quite ready for the dress parade of the late 
afternoon. 

To the Regiment, however, the most important event of 
the day was the rearrangement of the several corps con- 
stituting the Army of the Potomac, though this act had 
no immediate effect upon the regular life of the Thirty- 
ninth. The First Army Corps of the Potomac Army, 
commanded successively by Generals McDowell, Hookeri 
Reynolds and Newton, had left an excellent record through 
the nearly two years of its existence; the disk which, in 
red, white and blue, represented its several divisions, 
had ever been a badge of honor and now the advent of 
General Grant to the command of the army was to bring 
about various changes, among them the merging of the 
First Corps with the Fifth; its three divisions, reduced 
to two. became the Second and Fourth under Robinson , 
and Crawford respectively while Warren, of late tern- \ 
porarily in command of the Second, was assigned to lead 
the Fifth Corps, and Newton* who had succeeded Reynolds 

*John Newton, like Winfield Scott and George H. Thomas, was a native of 
• ?L"i'o ' It o^^- ^PPO'"t^'d thence to West Point, where he was graduated 
Vi i r J i^ ,' *" ^ .^'"^^^ *^^*^ included Rosccrans, Pope, Seth ^Williams. 
Uoubleday, Sykes and other noted Federal leaders and Longstreet. D H 
Hill, Gustavus W. Smith, McLaws and Van Dorn of the Confederates In 
contmuous service m the Engineer Corps, he had attained the rank of captain 
when the war began. He was assistant engineer in the construction of the 
defenses of Washington; served through the Peninsular campaign; was at 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg and followed 
Reynolds as commander of the First Corps. After leaving the Army of the 
Potomac, he commanded a division in the Fourth Corps, under O. O. Howard 
in the army of the Cumberland having a part in the campaign which culminated 
in the capture of Atlanta, September 1864. Later he commanded various 



154 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

at Gettysburg, was relieved. Under the same general 
orders, the Third Corps also was disbanded, its first and 
second divisions going to the Second Corps, its third divi- 
sion to the Sixth, and General Sykes, the Commander, to 
the command of the District of South Kansas. There 
were thus left the Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps in the 
Potomac Army, to which in the campaign of 1864 the 
Ninth Corps, under General Burnside, was to be added. 

This rearrangement of army relations was not accom- 
plished without some heart-burning and many adverse 
remarks. John D. Billings in his story of the Tenth Massa- 
chusetts Battery says: 

"Next to the attachment men feel for their own company or 
regiment, comes that which they feel for their corps. All the 
active services that we had seen was in the Third Corps, and its 
earlier history and traditions from the Peninsula to Gettysburg 
had become a part of our pride, and we did not care to identify 
ourselves with any other. If such was our feeling in the matter, 
how much more intense must have been that of the troops 
longer in its membership, whose very blood and sinew were in- 
corporated with the imperishable name it won under General 
Sickles." 

The farewell of General Newton to the men of the First 
Corps bears date of March 25, 1864, and is as follows: — 

"Upon relinquishing command I take occasion to express the 
pride and pleasure I have experienced in my connection with 
you, and my profound regret at our separation. Identified by 
its services with the history of the war, the First Corps gave at 
Gettysburg a crowning proof of valor and endurance, in saving 
from the grasp of the enemy the strong position upon which the 
battle was fought. The terrible losses suffered by the Corps in 
that conflict attest its supreme devotion to the country. Though 
the Corps has lost its distinctive name by the present changes, 
history will not be silent upon the magnitude of its services." 

districLs in Florida until his muster-out from the volunteer service, January' 
1866. His subsequent life was devoted to engineering, among his most notable 
deeds being the removal of obstructions in Hell Gate, the narrow passage of 
East River, between Long Island Sound and New York Harbor. Subsequent 
to his resignation from the army in 1884, he became Commissioner of Public 
Works in New York City; at the time of his death in his seventy-second year, 
May 1, 1895, he was president of the Panama Railroad and of the Panama and 
Columbian Steamship Companies. 



Mar. 26, '64 Still in Camp 155 

Though the Thirty-ninth had borne no part in the battle- 
trials of the corps, save in the premonitions at Mine Run, 
yet its marchings and campings, during eight months of 
service, had done much towards impressing upon the Regi- 
ment the character of the corps and an appreciation of the 
corps and an appreciation of its excellent record. 

Foundation facts for the coming summer are coming 
fast in these days for, on the 26th of March, General U. S. 
Grant established his headquarters at Culpeper, a little 
south of those of the Army of the Potomac. For just a 
month, the General's name has been heard in the public 
ear more than usual since, on the 26th of February, the 
bill restoring the grade of lieutenant-general became a law; 
on the 1st of March, General Grant's name was sent to 
Congress and it was confirmed March 2nd; on the 3rd, he 
was ordered to Washington to receive his commission 
and he started the day following. March 9th, in the White 
House, in the presence of the President's Cabinet, his staff 
or such as were with him and his son, Fred, General 
Grant received his commission from the hands of Lincoln, 
with the briefest possible exchange of compliments. The 
Thirty-ninth Regiment knew it not, but on the 10th, the 
Lieutenant-general was at Brandy Station viewing some 
of the scenes that were to be better known by him in 
approaching days; the next day he was in Washington 
again and in the evening started back to the west. Many 
plans were evolved by Grant and his lieutenants before 
his return to Washington on the 23rd, whence he went 
to Culpeper as before stated. Henceforth his military 
record will be a part of that of the Potomac Army. 

While this is strictly a story of the Thirty-ninth Massa- 
chusetts, of any happening in the camp of our near neigh- 
bors and good friends, the men of the Sixteenth Maine, 
passing mention is due here. Colonel Charles W. Tilden 
had been captured at Gettysburg and had been held pris- 
oner in Richmond until the 10th of February, when with 
others he got away from Libby through General A. D. 



156 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Streight's famous tunnel and on the 28th of March, at four 
o'clock in the afternoon, he was received by his old boys 
with a heartiness which only old soldiers can give to the 
tried and true; in the evening followed a feast in the regi- 
mental chapel, attended by the officers of the Sixteenth 
and the field officers of the brigade, all uniting in the most 
fervent expressions of respect and admiration; the his- 
tory of the Sixteenth has this concerning the words of 
our esteemed Commander, "Colonel Davis, whose encamp- 
ment is a paragon of neatness and comfort, replied in his 
calm and witty way to a toast complimentary to the Thirty- 
ninth Massachusetts." The next day several hundred 
men from other regiments in the brigade assembled at 9 
a. m. to witness the presentation to Colonel Tilden by 
his regiment of a magnificent black stallion duly capar- 
isoned; evidently the officer was greatly admired. The 
remainder of the day was one of diversion for the men 
of the Sixteenth and their friends. 

The One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania, a member 
of our brigade, whose Colonel, Thos. F. McCoy, at times 
commanded the brigade, pretty generally enlisted in the 
month of February, but its re-enlistment home-going did 
not begin until this day; surely no April Fool's occasion 
for the happy men who crowded aboard the train which 
was to carry them hence, all intent on the happiness in 
store for them; the "battle summer" will be well under 
way before the regiment rejoins us; a considerable part 
of the One Hundred and Fourth New York also started away 
on a similar errand. On the 3rd, the Nintieth Pennsylvania 
came over from the Second Brigade and occupied the camp of 
the One Hundred and Seventh. The general harshness of the 
season marked early April, rain and snow, and not till 
the seventh daydid the weather clear up effectually and, even 
then, as matters shaped themselves, there were those who 
claimed that there was an improvement, not so much on 
our account as that there might be a bright day for General 
Grant's inspection. It was Fast Day, too, at home, but 



Apr. 8, '64 Still in Camp 157 

we were eating all we could get. We were out early and 
active on the 8th, doing very thorough policing. We 
were in line at 11 a, m. and before noon, the hero of 
Vicksburg, accompanied by his staff and General Robin- 
son, appeared, receiving three cheers from the men as he 
rode by us; he took a look at our camp and highly com- 
plimented its appearance. Evidently the General had 
heard of our camp for he went down through the company 
streets which were spick and span as usual. Then he went 
out to the picket-line and thence to the signal station on 
the hill. Colonel Davis going with him. Everyone was siz- 
ing him up and making some sort of a m.ental entry con- 
cerning him, and one man wrote this, "He has a good, 
resolute look." There seemed to be a general opinion that 
he was no great talker, but that, as a doer, he would prob- 
ably be all right. 

Stormy weather was resumed on the 9th and continued 
almost every day until the excess of water washed away 
bridges between us and Washington to the extent of stop- 
ping trains on the 11th, with consequent lack of mails and 
other inconveniences; so efficient, however, were the 
artificers of the army, the very next day trains resumed 
running and letters from home made glad the hearts of 
men. During these days we were packing all superfluous 
articles, preparatory to sending to Alexandria, at the same 
time all were enjoined from writing about this to the friends 
at home. The new management did not believe in the 
utmost publicity. Saddened reflections followed the de- 
parture of the sutler, on the 16th, since thereafter, it 
would be necessary to forego luxuries altogether. The 
19th saw seven discouraged rebels come into our lines, 
saying that there were many more waiting a chance to 
get through. Notwithstanding this, we could see that the 
enemy was working hard on making breast-works, evidently 
expecting us to march directly upon them; nobody knows 
just what way we shall advance, but it probably will not be 
by the line surmised by the Confederates. Everyone felt 



158 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

better on account of the serenade that the band of the 
Sixteenth Maine favored us with in the evening of the 
20th. The 21st marked the departure of thirteen men 
from the Thirty-ninth, transferred to the Navy, many of 
whom, being famiHar with nautical duties, fancied that 
service afloat would be preferable to that ashore. 

The Cavalry had been even more active, if possible, than 
the Infantry during the winter and General Sheridan com- 
mented on the lean and hungry look of the horses when 
he reached the army, but in spite of leanness, this branch 
was the first to move — some said it had not stopped mov- 
ing, — and on the 23rd, one man wrote, "The Cavalry 
moved out to-day" and, could he have foreseen the service 
that the restless "Little Phil" was to exact from the horse- 
men, doubtless he had written more at length. He also 
entered in that same journal, "The covering of our chapel 
was taken off to-day, so I suppose our meetings are over." 
Dismantling was the order of Sunday, the 24th, and un- 
roofed cabins lost their homelike look. The move of the 
26th looked much like an abandonment of our long time 
camp and the beginning of active warfare, for the whole 
brigade, leaving the old camp behind, crossed Cedar Run 
and, at a point a mile away from the former stopping place, 
pitched its shelter tents in column by companies, the thirty- 
ninth Regiment being on the right. Some went back to 
their old quarters to bring thence boards to help out their 
sleeping facilities. By this change of camp, it was expected 
to free the men from all surplus stuff and, at the same time, 
to re-inure them to the hardships of active campaigning. 
The remaining days of April were uneventful, given to 
parades, inspections and drills, wherein knapsacks figured 
largely, thus testing the endurance of the soldiers and on 
the 30th, Saturday, the Regiment was mustered for two 
months' pay, March and April. 

No month in the year among dwellers in northern re- 
gions prompts to brighter, happier thoughts than May; in 
distant Massachusetts, children who had sought the fra- 



Apr. 30, '64 Still in Camp 159 

grant arbutus through the dayHght hours, were repining 
that Sunday made it impracticable for them to hang May- 
baskets when the evening shades appeared, a pleasure de- 
ferred however only till the following night. To the men 
and boys, afar from familiar scenes and cherished friends, 
the pleasures of peace were denied, and being on the eve 
of departure, much of regular camp life was omitted. 
Their neighbors, the Sixteenth Maine, formed in hollow 
square and had religious services, but letter writing was 
the most serious employment for the men of the Thirty- 
ninth. Could they have known the horrors through which 
they were to pass before another Lord's Day returned, 
with what eloquence had those messages teemed which 
carried simply the usual words of love and fealty. Hands 
that wrote tender words on this May day, ere another week 
had passed, were folded on soldierly breasts, asleep in 
battle-made graves. For nearly an entire year, with no 
long rest in winterquarters, no respite from the noise of 
combat, the men of the North and their brothers from the 
South are about to engage in a death grapple, and a bap- 
tism of blood awaits the tyros of the Lynnfield camp, the 
cadets of Edward's Ferry and Poolesville, the Capital 
guardians of Washington, and the admirably equipped 
soldiers of Colonel Davis' pride. 

Though it is the 2d day of May and we are in the suppos- 
edly "Sunny South," snow is plainly visible on the tips of 
the Blue Ridge and where the mountains are high enough, 
anywhere snow may be found the whole year round. Com- 
pany E, Somerville, is taking the least bit of pride to itself 
in that its Captain Kinsley, the senior officer of that rank, 
commands in the battalion-drill. Keen observers of signs 
are these soldier boys and, when they learn that the cars 
have come up for the last time, and when they hear, at 
dress parade, a letter of praise and patriotic prompting 
from General George G. Meade, all this on the 3rd, they 
know full well that the days of winterquarters are all but 
ended; certainty is added to surety when, at 10 p. m.. 



160 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

three days' rations are issued with the not over cheerful 
information that they must last us six; at midnight, we are 
awakened and told to be ready to move in fifteen minutes. 
How many glances are cast towards the Rapidan, during 
the nearly three hours' wait before the start is made, not 
of apprehension but of wonder as to what the outcome 
will be when "brave Northmen shall the Southon meet 
in bold, defiant manner?" We know full well that our 
faces are soon to be set towards the south, that once more 
the stream, so often crossed and recrossed, will soon greet 
, us again as we pass over or through it; remembering the 

/ mettle of the man who is now leading, one who never made 

provisions for retreat, because he never retreated, we 
realize that in our progress southward there will be no 
backward turning, that, while "few shall part where many 
meet," some of our numbers will survive to carry forward 
the Flag, and everyone had a perfect conviction of the 
righteousness of his cause and absolute confidence in its 
eventual triumph. 

The main incidents of these days in early May are writ- 
ing themselves deep in the hearts of America; as long as 
he lives will every participant, whether in blue or gray, 
recall the impressions that were his as he realized the im- 
mensity of the struggle that is impending. Of it. Grant 
has said in his Memoirs, "The capture of the Confederate 
capital and the army defending it was not to be accom- 
plished without as desperate fighting as the world has ever 
witnessed." Lee left no memoirs but his biographer wrote, 
"He divined Grant's plans, and cutting the latter from 
the object of his desires, threw himself upon him in a con- 
test whose fury may be gauged by the fact that the mus- 
ketry fire continued in one unbroken roar for seventeen 
hours, and trees were shorn down by the musket balls." 
The outlines of the movement which began with the start 
of the Second Corps, at 11 p. m. of the 3rd, crossing at 
Ely's Ford at six o'clock in the morning of the 4th, followed 
at Germanna's in turn by that of the Fifth and Sixth Corps 



May 4, '64 The Wilderness 161 

in order, have been told in hundreds of places by both 
tongue and pen; they form the a, b, c of 1864 military his- 
tory, so we must content ourselves with the fact that when, at 
three o'clock of the 4th of May, the Thirty-ninth hears that 
ever significant command, "Forward, March!" the Second 
Corps, under the lead of Hancock the Superb, is nearing Ely's 
Ford in its all night's march ; and the ever-vigilant Sixth 
Corps, underglorious" Uncle John" Sedgwick, is only await- 
ing the advance of our Fifth Corps, led by Warren, around 
whose head must ever wreathe the halo of Little Round 
Top, before following to take position at our right in the 
forthcoming battle-line. 

THE WILDERNESS 

At first our own course is northward, toward Culpeper, 
then we bear off to the right, passing the headquarters of 
the Sixth Corps, and those of the Army of the Potomac 
skirting the base of Pony Mountain and on to Germanna, 
remembered well in our Mine Run campaign. Though 
nominally, for several days a part of the Fifth Corps, we 
do not actually meet any part of the Corps itself till just 
before reaching the ford. We cross the river at about 11 
a. m., nowhere encountering any opposition from the 
enemy, who evidently is endeavoring to ascertain what 
Grant's objective may be, catching up with the other por- 
tions of the Corps late in the afternoon. After an arduous 
march of considerably more than twenty miles, burdened 
by heavy knapsacks, filled in winter quarters, our division 
bivouaced near the Wilderness Tavern.* From this 
point the almost countless campfires of our army could be 
seen, always an impressive sight, and never were the sol- 
diers of the Potomac Army in a more impressible mood than 

♦General Morris Schaff, who was a member of General Warren's Staff, says, 
"Robinson, who brought up the rear of the corps, camped on the Germanna 
Road, the middle of his division about where Caton's Run comes down through 
the woods from the west." P. 97 



162 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

after their long period in winter quarters. Of the troop 
thus in bivouac, Lieut. Porter of Company A wrote, "The 
men were in the best of spirits. They believed that the 
supreme effort to bring the rebellion to a close was being 
made. There were enthusiasm and determination in the 
minds of everyone." A year ago the word "Wilderness" 
was frequently heard as the events of Chancellorsville 
were discussed and now it is to gain even wider mention; 
it seems a name quite out of place in the midst of the Old 
Dominion, not so far from the very first settlements in 
British North America. 

General Morris Schaff in his story of the great battle 
says this of the section, "What is known as the Wilderness 
begins near Orange Court House on the west and extends 
almost to Fredericksburg, twenty-five or thirty miles to 
the east. Its northern bounds are the Rapidan and the 
Rappahannock and, owing to the winding channels, its 
width is somewhat irregualr. At Spottsylvania, its extreme 
southern limit, it is some ten miles wide." Considerably 
more than a hundred years before, there were extensive 
iron mines worked in this region under the directions of 
Alexander Spottswood, then governor of Virginia. To 
feed the furnaces the section was quite denuded of trees 
and the irregular growth of subsequent years, upon the 
thin soil, of low-limbed and scraggy pines, stiff and bris- 
tling chinkapins, scrub-oaks and hazel bushes gave rise to 
the appellation so often applied. Hooker and Chancel- 
lorsville are already involved in memories of the region 
and coming days will give equal associations with Grant 
and Meade, while the Confederates, remembering that 
within its mazes their own shots killed their peerless leader, 
Jackson, ere many hours have passed will lament a simi- 
lar misfortune to Longstreet. 

Within this tangled thicket, artillery will be of no avail 
and the vast array of thunderers will stand silent as artil- 
lerymen hear the roar of musketry; cavalry will be equally 
out of the question, but within firing distance more than 



May 4, '64 The Wilderness 163 

two hundred thousand men will consume vast quantities 
of gunpowder in their efforts to destroy each other. It is 
generally understood that General Grant did not expect 
an encounter with Lee within the Wilderness itself, as is 
evident in Meade's orders to Hancock and the Second 
Corps; indeed on the xSth the latter was recalled from 
Chancellorsville to the Brock Road at the left of the Fifth 
Corps, the Confederates having displayed a disposition 
to attack much earlier than the Union Commanders had 
thought probable; how Sedgwick and the Sixth Corps held 
the Union right, Warren and his Fifth the centre and Han- 
cock with the Second were at the left are figures from the 
past well remembered by participant and student. While 
every movement of the Union Army has a southern ten- 
dency, a disposition to get nearer to Richmond, yet in the 
Wilderness all of the fighting was along a north and south 
line, the enemy exhibiting an unwillingness to be out- 
flanked as easily as the new leader of the Potomac Army 
had evidently expected. 

In the morning of the 5th of May, General Richard S. 
Ewell commands the Confederate left with "Stonewall" 
Jackson's old army or what may be left of it; next to him, 
at his right, is A. P. Hill with the divisions of Wilcox, 
Heth, Scales and Lane; Longstreet has not arrived as yet, 
the morning finding him as far away as Gordonville, but 
he is making all the speed possible towards the scene of 
conflict, and when he arrives his station will be on the 
rebel right, his lieutenants being Anderson, Mahone, 
Wofford and Davis. The intracacies of this jungle-in- 
fested region are much better known to the Southern sol- 
diers than to those from the North, and this knowledge is 
a full compensation for any disparity in numbers known 
to exist. Burnside and the Ninth Corps of the Federal 
forces are just crossing the Rapidan after a forced march 
from Rappahannock Station and when they reach the 
battle line, it will be to occupy some of the thinly covered 
interval between Warren and Hancock. All of the ameni- 



164 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

ties of the long winter months are now forgotten, and war 
to the death is confronting every combatant, whether in 
blue or gray. 

In coming days, these men will recount the events of 
May, 1864, and while the roar of musketry will play a 
veritable diapason of war for them, they will not forget 
how readily they dropped the musket and, grasping axe 
or shovel, felled the trees and, weaving them into earth- 
covered breastworks, interposed thus much protection 
from the cruel missiles of the enemy. If the survivors 
of the Potomac Army in the battle summer had chosen 
to wear subsequently as under-guards or supports of 
their respective Corps-badges, whether, trefoil, Greek 
or Maltese Cross or shield, the semblance of musket 
and shovel crossed, no one would have questioned its 
oppositeness. However averse men may have been to 
the regular use of pick and shovel, experience soon told 
them that an old fence rail, a small sapling or a shovel- 
ful of earth might ward off a hostile bullet and, lacking 
the intrenching tools, they were known to throw up, 
in an incredibly brief time, serviceable defenses, using 
no more effective utensiles than their bayonets, case-knives 
and tin plates. Future archaeologists, in the Wilderness 
region, will have difficulty in distinguishing between the 
works of the Eighteenth century miners and their soldier 
successors more than a hundred years later. Deeply 
scarred was the battle-riven surface of the Old Dominion 
and, centuries hence, poets and historians will wax as 
eloquent over some of these fiercely contested places as 
did Charles Dickens over the bloody field of Shrewsbury 
where "the stream ran red, the trodden earth became a 
quagmire and fertile spots marked the places where heaps 
of men and horses lay buried indiscriminately, enriching 
the ground." Macaulay, too, never wrote with more 
brilliant pen than when he described the poppy-strewn 
plain of Neerwinden, "fertilized with twenty thousand 
corpses." 



May 5, '64 The Wilderness 165 

If Grant had known as definitely the mind of Lee as the 
latter appeared to divine the intentions of the Union 
General, the story of the Wilderness might have been 
very different. The orders for the morning of the 5th were 
for Warren to move to Parker's store, towards the south- 
west; Sedgwick was to follow Warren, ranging up at his 
right; Hancock with the Second Corps was to advance, 
also towards the southwest, his left to reach to Shady Grove 
Church. The enemy was discovered before Warren reached 
Parker's store and he was ordered to attack ; Getty and the 
Second Division of the Sixth Corps were sent to defend 
Warren's left flank and Wright with the First Division 
of the Sixth Corps was ordered up to Warren's right, and 
at nine o'clock Hancock was ordered to come to the support 
of Getty„ all this happening where Grant had expected, 
at least had hoped for, an unopposed passage. Instead 
of a retreating enemy, Warren opened the great battle of 
the Wilderness by an attack upon a foe ready for the fray; 
but let the Fifth Corps Commander tell his own story: — 

"Set out according to orders, 6. a. m., towards Parker's store — 
Crawford, Wadsworth, Robinson; enemy reported close at hand 
in force, and when Crawford had nearly reached Parker's, 
Generals Meade and Grant arrived and determined to attack 
the force on the road near Griffin (Warren's right division). 
Wadsworth was gotten into line immediately on the left of Griffin 
with one brigade of Crawford, Robinson in support. We at- 
tacked with this force impetuously, carried the enemy's line, 
but being flanked by a whole division of the enemy were compelled 
to fall back to our first position, leaving two guns on the road 
between the lines that had been advanced to take advantage of 
the first success. The horses were shot and the guns removed 
between our lines. The attack failed because Wright's (Third) 
division of the Sixth Corps was unable on account of the woods 
to get up on our right flank and meet the division (Johnson's 
Ewell's Corps) that had flanked us. Wright became engaged 
some time afterward. We lost heavily in this attack, and the 
thick woods caused much confusion in our lines. The enemy did 
not pursue us in the least. We had encountered the whole of 
Ewell's Corps. The enemy that moved on past Parker's along 
the Plank Road was Hill's corps. General Getty's division of the 



166 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Sixth Corps was sent to the intersection of the Brock Road to 
check the column, which it did, and General Hancock was ordered 
up from Todd's tavern, and also engaged Hill's corps. At this 
time I sent Wadsworth with his division and Baxter's (Second) 
Brigade (Second Division) to attack Hill's left flank as he engaged 
Hancock. It was late when this was done, but the attack pro- 
duced considerable impression. Wadsworth 's men slept on their 
arms where night overtook them. During the night, I sent in- 
structions to Wadsworth to form in line northeast and southwest, 
and go straight through, and orders were given to attack next 
morning at 4.30 with the whole army, Burnside being expected 
up by that time to take part. With the rest of my force I pre- 
pared to attack Ewell in conjunction Avith a part of the Sixth 
Corps." 

During the day, General Alexander Hays, commanding 
a brigade in the Second Corps was killed, a contemporary 
of Grant at West Point, he was one of the bravest of the 
brave; Generals Getty and Carroll were wounded, but 
remained on the field. The report of General Robinson, 
commanding the division, does not add any essentials to 
the report of General Warren. Unfortunately no report 
of our Brigade nor of the regiments composing it are found. 
Comrade Beck of Company C, has this to say of his obser- 
vations during the day: — 

"Turned out at three o'clock and started at about light; after 
some delay found the rebels in force; the advance forces of our 
Corps drove the enemy from his first line of works ; we were in re- 
serve till about 12 m., when we were ordered into line-of-battle on 
the right of the Plank Road ; dead and wounded are in evidence 
and there is hot work ahead. The Rebs have a strong position 
across a ravine; our artillery could not be placed in position; 
volley after volley was fired all day from all along, both left and 
right; we had to lay low, the balls whistled thick around us; at six 
o'clock were ordered to charge but were ordered back; it would 
have been madness, since the enemy had a cross fire on us. We lay 
in line-of-battle all night; many of our wounded could not be 
reached, and it was awful to hear their cries; when the stretcher- 
bearers tried to get them, the Rebs opened a battery on them." 

Readers with memories will recall that, some time after 
Gettysburg, Longstreet was detached from the Army of 



May 5, '64 The Wilderness 167 

Lee and sent to Georgia to help the Confederates whom 
Rosecrans was pressing hard ; sometime before this, early 
in 1863, two divisions of the Ninth Corps had been with- 
drawn from the Potomac and dispatched to the Depart- 
ment of the Ohio to aid in the campaign Burnside was 
then projecting. Both Confederates and Federals had re- 
turned to the East; Longstreet, most remote of the rebel 
array, had been striving to reach the field where his chief 
was struggling with the Union Army and, by one of the 
most wonderful coincidences in all history, Burnside and 
his following, save two divisions, were swinging into posi- 
tion between Warren and Hancock, only a few minutes 
later than Longstreet when the latter came up to the 
help of Hill. Grant in his Memoirs says that Meade 
wished the hour of attack on the 6th to be set at 6 a. m. 
an hour and a half later than the orders of the night of the 
5th. "Deferring to his wishes as far as I was willing, the 
order was modified and 5 was fixed as the hour to move." 
So then we come to the 6th of May and a resumption of 
Warren's report : — 

"At precisely five o'clock the fighting began. General Wads- 
orth I re-enforced with Colonel Kitching, 2400 strong (an indepen- 
dent brigade of the Fourth Division) . He fought his way entirely 
across the Second Corps' front to the south side of the Plank 
Road, and wheeling round commenced driving them up the Plank 
Road toward Orange Court House. The accumulating force of 
the enemy staggered his advance, and the line became confused 
in the dense woods. In the very van of the fight, General Wads- 
worth was killed by a bullet through his head, and General 
Baxter was wounded. On our right, the enemy was found to be 
intrenched and but little impressions could be made. I then sent 
another brigade to sustain General Hancock, who had now two 
of my divisions and one of the Sixth Corps, and was defending 
himself from both Hill and Longstreet. They charged and took 
possession of a part of his line but were driven out again. Late 
in the evening, the enemy turned General Sedgwick's right very 
unexpectedly, and threw most of his line into confusion. I sent 
General Crawford at double-quick, and the line was restored to 

him In most respects, the result of the day's fighting 

was a drawn battle." 



168 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

The report of General Robinson of the Second Divi- 
sion repeats some of Warren's statements, at the same 
time mentioning the fact that he accompanied General 
Baxter with the Second Brigade, which went with Wads- 
worth of the First Division on the 5th, when all hastened 
to the relief of Hancock; he names Colonel Lyle, of the 
Nintieth Pennsylvania as commanding the First Brigade. 
He also mentions the death of his Assistant Inspector Gen- 
eral, Lieut. Colonel David Allen, Jr., of the Twelfth Massa- 
chusetts on the 5th, and mentions the charge of the First 
Brigade (ours) late on the 5th, when the Nintieth Pennsyl- 
vania suffered so severely. In the afternoon of the 6th, he 
was ordered to send another brigade to the support of 
Hancock, and later still one more which he accompanied, 
ranging them on the right of the Second Corps. There 
he ordered the building of rifle-pits, while he rode to Han- 
cock's headquarters; the latter telling him that he is 
ordered to attack, and requesting Robinson to join in the 
assault, our Division Commander returned to his com- 
mand and made ready to advance, awaiting orders. Two 
hours later, heavy firing was heard on his left and he was 
visited by General D. B. Birney who stated that the enemy 
had broken through our lines and that Hancock was cut 
off. Robinson at once faced his second line about and made 
ready to receive attacks on his left and rear. Before any 
further change was effected, General Birney was sum- 
moned by Hancock, and Robinson learned that, instead 
of breaking through, the enemy had been repulsed. It 
seems a little strange that the General does not mention 
the death of General Wadsworth, his fellow division com- 
mander, nor the wounding of Baxter of his own command. 
The taking off of Wadsworth was a great calamity, repre- 
senting, as he did, the vast array of citizen soldiery. Far 
past the age of military duty, one of the wealthiest men 
in the Empire State, he nevertheless threw in his services 
and, eventually, his life for the cause he loved.* 

*Greeley in "The American Conflict" says, "Thousands of the unnamed and 
unknown have evinced as fervid and as pure a patriotism, but no one surrendered 



May 6, '64 The Wilderness 169 

Returning to the meager records of our own Regiment, we 
glean certain facts, as that the Brigade was advanced in 
the morning to nearly its former position and that it was 
shortly withdrawn and sent to the extreme left on the 
plank-road, where breastworks were thrown up under 
active skirmishing. Also on this day, in the various changes 
of position, the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth 
and Fifty-ninth Massachusetts Regiments were met, all 
of them in the Ninth Army Corps, and all of them having 
ofificers largely drawn from the older organizations of the 
Bay State. Private Horton of "E" says, "We lay all 
night in the same place, the rebels keeping up the firing 
We are relieved at 4 a. m. and go back and get break- 
fast. Travel around almost all day; go to the left where 
is heavy firing; throw up some rifle-pits." Beck of "C" 
in effect coincides with the foregoing, though he closes 
the day's account with the words, "Some of the hardest 
fighting on record; we build intrenchments on the side of 
the road and sleep in them through the night; troops 
were passing and repassing all of the evening; we are 
having nice warm weather for our operations." Lieutenant 
Dusseault of "H" relates the Incident of a false alarm, 
while the men were lying along the road, between that and 
the breastworks: — "About midnight, while the boys 
were trying to get a little sleep, a great racket was heard 
not far away, and some in their alarm thought the whole 
rebel army was upon us. It proved to be a stampede of 
our own cattle, and they came bellowing down the space 
between the fianks and the works, and o^■er the prostrate 
forms of our men. The choice language of the startled 
sleepers, when they came to understand the situation, 
added not a little to the tumult." During the day, in 
one of the several charges made upon us, "A rebel pris- 
oner, apparently wounded and just able to crawl about, 
on hearing the shouts of his compatriots so near, and 

more for his country's sake, or gave his life more joyfully for her deliverance, 
than did James S. Wadsworth." 



170 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

dreading to fall into their hands, much to our amusement, 
jumped up a well man and ran like a deer towards our 
rear." 

Of the charge made in the afternoon of the 5th, this 
story is told in the history of the Nintieth Pennsylvania 
whose Colonel, Peter Lyle, was in command of the Brigade, 
having succeeded Colonel Leonard of the Thirteenth 
Massachusetts : — 

"The command was formed in line-of-battle and advanced until, 
it reached the open ground, beyond which the enemy was in- 
trenched. The line was established behind a slight rise of ground 
with small trees and bushes in front, the right of the Ninetieth 
being separated from the rest of the Brigade which it was im- 
possible to occupy, being raked by the enemy's artillery. We lay- 
in this position for some time when General Griffin,* in command 
of the First Division, rode up and commanded a charge. Colonel 
Lyle promptly led his regiment forward and, as soon as it had 
cleared the shrubbery in front, and emerged upon the open field 
rebel batteries opened upon it with grape and cannister. The 
order was given to double-quick and with a shout it advanced 
within close range of the rebel lines. When Colonel Lyle dis- 
covered that he w^as unsupported, he gave the orders to about- 
face and what was left rallied around the colors and, under a 
fierce fire of infantry and artillery, returned to its original posi- 
tion Out of two hundred and fifty-one m.en, one hundred and 

and twenty-four were killed, wounded or captured. From some 
misunderstanding or not having received the same peremptory 
orders from General Griffin that he gave the Ninetieth the rest 
of the brigade did not advance any distance, leaving the Regiment 
entirely alone in the charge. 

In fairness to our Regiment, it should be stated that the left 
wing heard the orders which sent the Ninetieth forward and, re- 
sponding, suffered with it. The wonder is that, in the confusion 
of numbers, noise and misunderstood commands, more errors 



*In General Schaff's "Wilderness" we may read, "The victorious Confeder- 
ates could not pursue beyond the guns, or even stand there, for Sweitzer's 
of Griffin's, and the First Brigade of Robinson's division, under my friend, 
Charles L..Peirson, a gentleman, together with our rallied men, now poured 
such a fire into them from the east side of the field, that they fled back to their 

lines on the edge of the woods In an effort to recapture the guns — whose 

loss. Griffin, the commander of our West Point battery in my day, felt deeply — 
the Ninth Massachusetts and the Ninetieth Pennsylvania suffered frightfully, 
adding to the thickly lying dead in the old field." (Page 163.) 



May 6, '64 The Wilderness 171 

rather than less, are not recorded. It is not to the discredit of 
Colonel Lyie that he is said to have shed tears over the calamity 
which befell his brave followers through no fault of his." 

Colonel Peirson in a paper read before the Loyal Legion 
also has a fling at these same guns to the following effect : — 

"We also left behind two guns which were on the turnpike in 
front of Warren's position, which were lost by Grifhn on the 5th, 
and were between the two armies until we retired. A brigade of 
Robinson's division vainly attempted a charge to retake them, 
but the plain was swept by canister at 350 yards, and the brigade 
returned with heavy loss. It was understood that the sixth Corps 
was to join in this attempt but General Upton, whose brigade 
lay on the right of Robinson, refused to move, saying, 'It is 
madness.' So sensitive were the enemy about the matter, they 
fired on our stretcher-bearers, who advanced to bring in the 
wounded; and the wounded V\-ere not brought in, but lay all 
night calling for water and help, to the great distress of their 
comrades." 

Two such days, as were the 5th and 6th of May in the 
Wilderness, evidently \vere as much as even Grant and 
Lee could endure. The former is said to have remarked 
to Meade on the 7th, "Joe Johnston would have retreated 
after two such days' punishment." The losses on both 
sides were frightful; there was little of the spectacular 
which will always characterize Gettysburg, but men, in 
all their mortal combats, never grappled in fiercer, more 
determined struggles than in those of the dense and tangled 
Wilderness. In his Memoirs, Grant says, " More desperate 
fighting has not been witnessed on this continent than 
that of the 5th and 6th of May," and he was atShiloh and 
Chattanooga; evidently the great W^esterner w^as chang- 
ing his mind as to the fighting qualities of Eastern armies. 
The Union force had lost 2,265 killed, 10,220 wounded, 
and 2,902 missing; an aggregate of 15,387. W'hile Con- 
federate data as to numbers are frequentlj' questioned, 
the Medical and Surgical History of the War makes the 
Southern losses, 2,000 killed, 6,000 wounded and 3,400 miss- 
ing; a total of 11,400. The Confederates also had lost 
Brigadier Generals Micah Jenkins and John M. Jones, 



172 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

both gallant officers, but their greatest personal loss was 
that of General Longstreet, grievously wounded on the 
6th and immediately carried from the field. Thomas 
Nelson Page refers to the event as the fourth similar inci- 
dent where, seemingly, the loss of one man ended the hope 
of rebel victory, as the deaths of A. S. Johnston at Shiloh, 
"Stonewall" Jackson at Chancellorsville, the wounding 
of "Joe" Johnston at Seven Pines and of Longstreet, 
"at the critical moment when victory hovered over his 
arms." 

THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS 
By Channing Whittaker 

Most of the Infantry fighting of the Wilderness, as is well 
known, occurred on May 5th and 6th, 1864, in almost Impene- 
trable thickets of tangled woodland growth, a growth facilitated, 
by warmth of climate, by a multitude of streamlets and by areas 
of morass. The Infantry line of battle may have been from five 
to seven or eight miles in length. General Grant said in his 
"Personal Memoirs," written just before his death, "More 
desperate fighting has not been witnessed on this continent 
than that of the 5th and 6th of May, 1864." The bloodiest 
battlefields of those two days were those of Caton's Run of May 
5th and of the thicket bordered by the Brock and the Orange 
Plank Roads on May 5th and 6th. During the battle I was 
pretty completely occupied with what was occurring close about 
me and I had little knowledge of what was occurring beyond 
my individual eyesight. Since the war I have been too com- 
pletely occupied by daily duties to seriously search the records 
to ascertain the contribution which the Thirty-ninth Massa- 
chusetts made to the battle as a whole. Since I received your 
letter I have tried to ascertain where the Regiment was and what 
it did with relation to the battle as a whole on those two days. 
It participated in the Battle of Caton's Run on May 5th and in 
that of the Brock and Plank Roads on May 6th, but because I 
am not at leisure and my sources of information are limited, I 
shall attempt no account of either battle as a whole. 

It is only recently that I have learned of the trap which the 
Confederates had deliberately set for us on the morning of the 
5th of May in the gully of the unwooded valley of Caton's Run, 
where, ambushed in the woods on the western edge, they awaited 



May 5, '64 The Wilderness 173 

"with fingers on triggers" the initial charge of our brave men, 
under the orders of Grant and Meade and Warren, down the 
long unwooded slope, across the roughly shaped gully of a pri- 
meval forest stream and up the long and open slope beyond it; 
of the brutal and terrible carnage on the slopes and at and about 
the battery caught in the gully; and that here, where at about 
eight a. ni. was killed Charles H. Wilson of Wrentham, Co. 
I, Eighteenth Massachusetts, the first Federal infantryman to 
fall in the campaign, were controlled and stayed the proud ban- 
ners of 17,000 Confederates under Lee and Ewell, including 
those of Walker, commanding the famous Stonewall Brigade. 
The first assault in this murderous trap was made by Grifhn's 
First Division of Warren's Fifth Corps, while our Brigade, the 
First of Robinson's Second Division of the Fifth Corps, was held 
in reserve in their rear. 

What I remember of the Battle of the Wilderness after the 
lapse of almost fifty years is a story quickly told. Som.e of the 
things which I saw and experienced made an indelible impression 
upon my mind. Other events have been crowded out by inter- 
vening occurrences, and of them I have no memory. 

I will now state all that I remember of what occurred within 
my own experience on the morning of May 5th, 1864. I suppose 
these things occurred during Griffin's assault through the 
gully, and while the Thirty-ninth was being held in reserve in 
Griffin's rear. 

We were standing in line of battle in a grove of oaks, the larg- 
est of which were perhaps eight inches in diameter. I was in 
the front rank near the right of Company B. First Lieutenant 
Spear was in his usual place in the rear of the Company and a 
little to my left. Lieutenant Spear turned on his heel and momen- 
tarily vacated his place. Almost instantly a piece of a shell 
buried itself where he had stood. Occasional bullets passed over 
our heads and among the oaks. Captain W. W. Graham of 
Company B was at rest in front of the Company, leaning against 
an oak but not behind it. A raw recruit in the rear rank who had 
joined the Company at Mitchell's Station and who had not yet 
learned to await the word of command aimed his rifle at a ven- 
ture and planted a bullet in Captain Graham's oak, close to his 
head. Orderly Sergeant Allison shook the recruit by the collar 
and threatened terrible things if he should fire again without 
orders. 

I can not recall that I knew anything of Griffin's assault 
while it was in progress, or of the rout which followed it. I have 
since learned from General Robinson's report that at the close 



174 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

of Griffin's sanguinary assault, Griffin's Division was relieved 
by Robinson's First and Second Brigades, ours, the First, taking 
the line of battle. 

I remember that the Regiment moved to a new position and 
that later in the day we were lying, faces down, on the grass 
covered slope of a ridge. Small pines branching from near the 
ground broke its surface. Erect, and close behind us, Lieutenant 
Colonel Peirson walked back and forth like a sentinel upon his 
beat, but with his eyes never off of his ready but prostrate men. 
Absolutely alert, in quiet and calm tones, he said to each rest- 
less one who sought a dangerous relief from his unbearable 
immobility, "That man in Company, lie down," or what- 
ever would cause the man to safeguard himself. The minie 
balls continually showered the green pine needles and pitchy 
twigs upon us. No one was in such danger as the Lieutenant 
Colonel, but he ever walked back and forth, back and forth, 
speaking his words of friendly caution. Still later it was desired 
that we should lie nearer the top of the ridge. He said to Colonel 
Davis, "If you will stand here" (at the right of the line to be 
formed) " I will align the men on you." When we again stretched 
ourselves upon the slope our heads were close to its top. Later 
in the afternoon we were standing in line of battle on the top of 
the ridge. The line of battle of a Regiment on our left made an 
angle of less than 180 with our own. For a moment I had a 
clear, distinct view of its front brilliantly lighted by the rays 
of the declining sun. I saw Colonel "Dick" Coulter on his 
prancing horse in front of them. The vision though momentary 
was changeful, unsteady, as if the men were staggering, falling. 
Our Brigade charged down the western slope. A Battery was 
in the gully at the foot of the slope, and neither the Federals 
nor the Confederates could touch it. The Brigade did not 
reach the Battery but returned to the ridge. The cries of the 
wounded on the slope were heart breaking. They called for 
help, for water. I was told, "General Grant says, 'Let no well 
man risk himself for his companion. He will need the help of all 
well men to-morrow.' " There was a call for volunteers to act 
as skirmishers on the slope toward the battery. I volunteered 
without any personal request that I should do so. I was located 
some distance down the slope and walked back and forth upon 
a "beat," like a camp guard. Then I had a genuine surprise. 
While I walked and watched with fear in my heart, the sun 
not having yet gone down, Lieutenant Colonel Peirson came 
sauntering along the skirmish line as if he was enjoying a pleasur- 
able stroll. He made some casual remark and, handing me his 



May 6, '64 The Wilderness 175 

field glass, asked if I would enjoy seeking the battery through it. 
He left me after I had had abundant time to look, but all of the 
fear had gone and did not return. When I next saw the glass 
it had been ruined, smashed by a shell which had nearly taken 
the life of the Lieutenant Colonel at Spottsylvania. All night I 
walked back and forth on the slope. 

When we took our position upon the Brock Road, volunteer 
skirmishers were again called for and I responded as before. I 
was placed perhaps three hundred feet in front of the Regiment 
in a typical Wilderness forest tangle. Here were hardwood 
trees several inches in diameter, and in an almost impenetrable 
mass between them were quickly grown hardwood saplings 
of the diameter of one's finger and perhaps twenty feet in height. 
These were in the beautiful, tender green, full foliage of May and 
often woven all through between their interlacing branches were 
strong, green, horse-briar vines in so high and dense a hedge 
that had a line of battle been in your front not twenty feet 
away you probably could not have seen it. My part was to 
watch the thicket in front of my post and to give warning of the 
first appearance of the enemy. My fear of the day before did 
not return. I had excellent opportunity to hear the rapidly 
detonating musketry on my left and front, varied by the deep 
bass of occasional artillery. As the firing quickened I could no 
longer distinguish intervals between the sounds. I heard only 
one clear, loud, inspiring, uplifting, musical sound punctuated 
by artillery. 

Suddenly, upon my left and behind me all was commotion. 
The Sixteenth Maine on our left fired volley after volley toward 
the front. My regiment, the Thirty-ninth Massachusetts, fol- 
lowed their lead. I threw myself upon my face until the fusilade 
had ceased. 'Then I lost no time in reaching the Regiment. I 
saw no wounded in our immediate front, but a number in butter- 
nut clothing crawled toward the Sixteenth Maine or lay pros- 
trate in their front. One in particular, I remember, he was 
crawling upon his hands and knees toward the Sixteenth, while 
a large, red stream flowed from his throat as I had seen blood 
flow from the throat of a slaughtered pig. 

I now saw that a wonderful change had occurred in front of 
the Thirty-ninth. A wide belt of the forest had disappeared. 
Three parallel lines of breastworks, with an abatis in their front, 
were undergoing construction along the Brock Road. Men 
without axes had felled large trees with hatchets, and saplings 
with knives. Bayonets instead of pickaxes had loosened the sun- 
baked Virginia clay and tin plates instead of shovels had trans- 



176 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

ferred the soil. The trees, the saplings and the clay, under the 
direction of skilled mechanics and by the herculean efforts of 
determined and rapid workmen, had taken and were taking 
effective defensive shape. The moment the firing ceased the 
constructive, defensive work again began. I saw upon the 
Brock Road a mounted ofhcer, riding and swinging his sword. 
I heard him say, "General Grant says, 'If you hold this place 
until night, the enemy must evacuate Petersburg and Richmond, 
is ours.' " I began to use my bayonet and tin plate with the 
rest in constructing breastworks, but the call for skirmishers 
soon came again and I went back to watch through the night 
and the following day for the first signs of another frontal 
attack, which happily did not come. Before we left this place I 
listened to the account of my messmate, George V. Shedd, who, 
as one of a squad, had passed on duty through a part of the woods 
where men wounded, dying and dead had been blistered, black- 
ened and burned by ruthless forest fires. 

I have learned since that on the rnxorning of May 6th a Con- 
federate engineer officer reported to General Longstreet that 
the extreme left of the Infantry of the Army and of the Second 
Corps was in the woods in front of the Brock Road and exposed. 
A flank attack by four Brigades was immediately made, follow- 
ing first the unfinished railroad bed where their march was prac- 
tically unimpeded and then advancing north through the woods. 
Our men, who were cooking coffee, were completely surprised 
and routed, and this explains the confusion which prevailed 
along the Brock Road when we arrived a little later. The Brock 
Road was now almost in the grasp of Longstreet, who hoped to 
seize it and to "put the enemy back across the Rapidan before 
night." "Longstreet, followed by fresh Brigades at double- 
quick," began to follow up the victory when he and his staff 
were mistaken for Federal troops and fired upon by the Sixty- 
first Virginia of Mahone's Confederate Brigade. Longstreet 
was severely wounded. General Longstreet says, "I immedi- 
ately made arrangements to follow up the successes gained and 
ordered an advance of all my troops for that purpose." 

(Here the hand of our comrade ceased, for fatal illness came 
upon him ere his task was ended. — A. S. R.) 

One of the saddest features of the Wilderness struggle 
was the fire kindled by exploding shells and which raged 
unchecked over much of the fighting area, enveloping 
in its destroying embrace with equal fury the blue and the 



May 7, '64 The Wilderness 177 

gray, whether living or dead, and we can never know how 
many among the missing were thus ushered into eternity. 
In Northern burial grounds, no unusual sight is that of a 
cenotaph or memorial to the memory of a departed 
soldier whose body was cremated or burned beyond recog- 
nition in the Wilderness. Save for the industry displayed 
in the building of rifle-pits, and the fruitless rebel assault 
on the Sixth Corps at our right, the night connecting the 
6th and 7th of May was a quiet one; both sides were weary 
to the pitch of exhaustion, and both had learned that 
breastworks had wonderfully preserving qualities and, 
while Sheridan makes something of a stir at our left, as 
far away as Todd's Tavern, the day is relatively a peaceful 
one. Very likely the respective heads of the two great 
armies are taking inventories of their losses and gain, if 
any of the latter were observable. Both leaders had suf- 
fered sufficiently in the Wilderness, yet each one is per- 
fectly willing that the other should attack, and when Grant's 
tentative skirmish line fails to draw the men in gray from 
their intrenchments, the Union commander knows that 
the time for him to continue his march towards Richmond 
has come. There appears to be a general agreement among 
those keeping diaries that the Thirty-ninth, with the other 
regiments of the brigade remained in or near the intrench- 
ments till well along in the afternoon, when it was with- 
drawn, and in the rear had the privilege of preparing some- 
thing to eat. Davis, in his story of the Thirteenth Massa- 
chusetts, says fresh meat rations were drawn and cooked 
and coffee was boiled, a most grateful relief, if only a 
a brief one. 

Of this day General Warren says that the army took 
up defensive positions and spent the time getting together 
the several commands which had been detached to defend 
parts of the field in the varying emergencies of the pre- 
vious days* battles. Of himself he remarks that he had 
received, on the 6th, eighteen orders to send reinforce- 
ments to other parts of the line. It is nine o'clock in the 



178 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

evening of the 7th that the Fifth Corps takes up its line of 
march towards the left. Men of other corps are seen asleep 
as we pass by, and it is no craven thought for us to wish 
that we might slumber also, but "Forward" is the word. 
Lieutenant Schaff, more than forty years later to produce 
one of the most remarkable battle descriptions ever given, 
his story of the Wilderness, an officer on Warren's staff, 
says this of the scene : — 

"Here comes the head of Warren's Corps with banners afloat. 
What calm serenity, what unquenchable spirit are in the battle- 
flags! On they go. Good-by, old fields, deep woods, and lone- 
some roads. And murmuring runs. Wilderness, and Caton, you 
too farewell. The head of Warren's column has reached the 
Brook Road and is turning South. At once the men catch what 
it means. Oh, the Old Army of the Potomac is not retreating, 
and, in the dusky light, as Grant and Meade pass by, they give 
them high, ringing cheers. 

Now we are passing Hancock's lines and never, never shall I 
forget the scene. Dimly visible, but almost within reach of our 
horses, the gallant men of the Second Corps are resting against 
the charred parapets, from which they hurled Field. Here and 
there is a weird little fire, groups of mounted officers stand un- 
distinguishable in the darkness, and up in the towering tree tops 
of the thick woods beyond the intrenchments, tongues of yellow 
flame are pulsing from dead limbs, lapping the face of night. All, 
all is deathly still. We pass on, cross the unfinished railway, 
then Poplar Run and then up a shouldered hill. Our horses 
are walking slowly. We are in dismal pine woods, the habitation 
of thousands of whippoorwills uttering their desolate notes un- 
ceasingly. Now and then a sabre clanks and close behind us 
the men are toiling on. 

It is midnight. Tood's Tavern is two or three miles away. 
Deep, deep is the silence. Jehovah reigns; Spottsylvania and 
Cold Harbor are waiting for us and here The Wilderness ends." 



SPOTTSYLVANIA 

Of this same day and evening, our own Colonel Peirson 
has also given a vivid picture; after quoting Grant's words 
to Colonel Theodore Wyman, sitting under a pine tree, 



May 7, '64 Spottsylvania 179 

on the 7th, "To-night Lee will be retreating south" he 
says, in his Loyal Legion paper: — 

"Lee did retreat south, but only for the purpose of intercepting 
the onward movement of Grant, and he retreated so rapidly 
that we found him at Spotts^dvania when we emerged from The 
Wilderness. Nightfall of the 7th saw our whole army on the 
march for Spottsylvania — Warren leading with Robinson's 
division by the most direct route, which was by the Brock Road, 
via Todd's Tavern , — leaving on the field all our dead and wounded 
Grant remxarked that if Lee thought he was going to stop to bury 
his dead he was mistaken, but a few days later he sent a cavalry 
force back with ambulances, who succeeded in saving some of 
the wounded men. . . . The 7th was hot and dusty, and as it was 
necessary in order to clear the roads of trains by daylight, the 
movement was discovered by the enemy. The Fifth Corps in 
the advance, preceded by cavalry and followed by the Second 
Corps, took the Brock Road. The Sixth Corps moved by the 
Plank and Turnpike roads via Chancellorsville, preceded by the 
train, and followed by the Ninth Corps, who were the rear guard. 
. . . The Fifth Corps, led by Robinson's division, marched all night 
and about six on the morning of the 8th emerged from the wilder- 
ness near Todd's Tavern, and after marching a mile or two came 
up with our cavalry, who, as evidenced by several dead cavalry- 
men by the roadside, had recently been engaged with the enemy. 

General F. A. Walker, in his history of the Second Corps, 
accounts for the presence of the Confederates at Spottsyl- 
vania on the arrival of the Union army in a very interest- 
ing manner. He says that Lee, convinced of the inten- 
tion on Grant's part of moving towards Fredericksburg, 
ordered Anderson, who had succeeded to Longstreet's 
position, to move in the morning of the 8th to Spottsyl- 
vania. We remember that the whole battle section had 
been overrun with fire and that it was still burning when 
the orders came. Anxious to escape its unpleasant near- 
ness, he determined to set out in the evening of the 7th 
and so make a night-march of the fifteen miles intervening. 
By what Southern pietists might call this Providential 
procedure on the part of the Confederate leader, he got 
there ahead of Warren. 



180 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Resuming Colonel Peirson's excellent paper bearing 
on this campaign, we find him recording as follows: — 

"As soon as the cavalry got out of the way Robinson's division 
at once deployed, with Lyie's brigade on the left and leading, the 
Maryland brigade (Third) coming upon his right, and Baxter's 
brigade (Second) supporting still further on the right. In this 
way they advanced, driving the skirmishers before them by and 
beyond Alsop's house, and, reaching a wooded knoll, reformed 
the line, which had become vsomewhat disordered, casting off 
their knapsacks in order to move more quickly, and because the 
heat made them almost unsupportable. Pushing forward again, 
they came in sight of a part of a light battery of the enemy, which 
was firing down the Brock Road, and breaking into a run nearly 
captured the two guns, driving them well to the rear. The lead- 
ing brigade had now advanced some two miles since its dcploy- 
inent, and had reached a heavily wooded rise of ground, where 
they halted for a moment to get breath and some alignment; and 
having run much of the distance, had left the rest of the division 
far behind. The men were very much blown, and many had 
fallen from the way from sunstroke and fatigue. General Warren 
here rode up and, saying to General Robinson that his orders 
were to go to Spottsylvania Court House, ordered him forward. 
Robinson asked for time to get up his other brigades, but after 
a few moments of waiting Warren became impatient, and General 
Robinson ordered an immediate charge upon the enemy's line, 
then in plain sight behind some rude breastworks, saying, 'We 
must drive them from there, or they will get some artillery in 
position.' 

"The enemy's line was formed on a ridge across the Brock Road, 
near its junction with a road leading to the Block House, and 
was protected by an incomplete breastwork, with small pine- 
trees felled for abatis and a rail fence parallel with the line to 
the front. The enemy was hard at work finishing their breast- 
works. They were two brigades of Kershaw's division of Long- 
street's corps. 

"Lyie's brigade, in which my regiment was, charged over 500 
yards of open, badly gullied ground under a rapid tire from the 
enemy's muskets and from the artillery we had so nearly cap- 
tured. The troops went over the rail fence, into the abatis, and 
up to within 30 feet of the works, getting shelter then from the 
hill and the felled pine trees. Here they lay to recover their 
wind, easily keeping down the fire of the enemy in their front, 
who fired hurridly and aimlessly, and while waiting saw the 



May 8, '64 Spottsylvania 181 

Third Brigade (Marylanders) advancing gallantly across the 
field to their support. The latter, however, after getting half- 
way to the rebel works, broke under the enemy's fire from the 
right and retreated in confusion, General Robinson being shot 
in the knee while trying to rally them. The remaining brigade 
was too far to the right and rear to assist in this assault. Lyle's 
brigade, having rested these few minutes, started to go over the 
works, and would have gone over, but at this moment, discover- 
ing a fresh brigade of the enemy advancing in line of battle upon 
our left, I (a lieutenant-colonel, upon whom the command had 
devolv'ed, so few were the men to reach this spot) reluctantly 
gave the order to retire, and the command fell back in some con- 
fusion, but reformed when clear of the flanking fire, and taking 
advantage of the accidents of ground checked the advance of 
the enemy. The sun was so hot, and the men so exhausted from 
the long run as well as from the five days and nights of fighting 
and marching, that this retreat, though disorderly, was exceed- 
ingly slow, and we lost heavily in consequence from the enemy's 
fire. My own experience was that, while wishing very much to 
run, I could only limp along, using my sword as a cane. My color- 
bearer (Cottrell) was shot by my side, and unheeding his appeal 
to save him, I could only pass the colors to the nearest man, and 
leave the brave fellow to die in a rebel prison. The flanking 
brigade of the enemy, which so nearly succeeded in surrounding 
us, was part of Longstreet's corps (now under command of General 
R. H. Anderson) and it was his line we had so nearly broken. . . . 
That Longstreet's corps had but just arrived at the line of our 
assault is evident from the incomplete nature of the breast 
works, and from the fact that they had no artillery in position. 
Had there been any support for the brigade which got up to the 
rebel works, the enemy's line would have been broken, and our 
army would have been between Lee's army and Richmond; but 
as we have seen the only supporting brigade was far behind, and 

the rest of the Fifth Corps not yet up 

The delay in Robinson's movement caused by the cavalry 
was unfortunate, and gave rise to a good deal of feeling at the 
time. General Meade, who was always for giving the infantry 
a free foot, had sent orders to General Sheridan, on the night 
of the 7th, to have his cavalry out of the Brock Road, but Sheri- 
dan, not receiving them, obstructed the road with a brigade, and 
as the cavalry and infantry became unavoidably mixed up, this 
delayed the advance. . . . It is known that in an interview at this 
time, General Meade was very indignant with General Sheridan, 
until he learned from him personally that he had never received 



182 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

the orders to clear the road, when Meade frankly apologized for 
what must have been harsh censure. In this interview which 
was described to me by Colonel Theodore Lym.an, who was 
present, General Sheridan, being much chagrined by the censure 
of his superior officer, stated there was no force worth speaking 
of in front of the advance of the Fifth Corps; but he seems to 
have withdrawn this view, when in his cooler moments he came 
to write his report. Perhaps the feeling which caused Warren's 
unjustifiable removal from the command of the Fifth Corps at 
Five Forks began here. . . . The advanced troops fell back to the 
line which had been taken up by the Fifth Corps, intrenched, and 
waited for the Sixth Corps to come up, which they did in the 
afternoon, going into position on Warren's left. Crawford's 
division of the Fifth Corps made an attack in the afternoon, but 
with little result beyond capturing some seventy prisoners and 
losing considerably in killed and wounded. 

In the preceding pages General Peirson refers to the 
fact of the command of the Regiment devolving on him- 
self; it might have been stated that Colonel Davis, a 
very large and stout man, though doing his best to lead 
his men whose pace was more than double-quick, was 
completely overcome by the heat and mounted upon one 
of the Rebel Battery horses, cut out by Milton F. Roberts 
of "C," w^as carried to the rear. Modesty no doubt in- 
fluenced General Peirson not to state that he was, him- 
self, hit by a portion of a buckshot-cartridge, three of 
the missiles lodging in his right arm or shoulder, his sword- 
cane giving place to the stalwart shoulders of Isaac H. 
Mitchell of "A." Two of the bits of lead were picked out 
by the surgeon, the other is there yet. The wound did 
not keep the resolute ofificer long from his post. 

Here is the story as told by I. H. Mitchell, Company A, 
and transcribed by Channing Whittaker, Company B,: — 

"It must have been very near to where the Johnnies were that 
Lieutenant Colonel Peirson received three buck-shot in his right 
arm above the elbo\\% on May 8th, 1864. It was after we had 
been ordered to fall back that I first saw him after he was wound- 
ed. He was conscious, but perfectly helpless. He was trying 
to get back. I took him right upon my shoulder and carried him 
quite a distance into and part way through the woods, where we 



May 8, '64 Spottsylvania 183 

had formed line just before the last charge in which he was 
wounded. I had carried him 100 yards sure, and was still carry- 
ing him to the rear, when we met a man with a horse who was 
looking for some officer. I told him that I had got to have the 
horse to carry the Lieutenant Colonel. He did not object, be- 
cause he could not find his man, and the bullets were whistling 
about pretty thick at that time. He then led the horse and I held 
the Lieutenant Colonel on his back, while I walked by his side. 
We followed the general direction of those who were going to the 
rear. I was not sure whether we were going in the right direction, 
and fearing that we might get into the hands of the Johnnies, I 
stopped, took him from the horse and carried him a little distance 
from the road into the woods. If I remember rightly, I made 
some coffee for him there waiting perhaps two hours, before we 
could get a stretcher for him. While we were there General Robin- 
son was carried by. He had been wounded and he was saying 
things. In the meantime they had established a division hospital 
in the rear, and I then hailed some stretchers bearers, v.iio took 
the Lieutenant Colonel there and I returned to my place in the 
Regiment. He came back to the Regiment very soon and was in 
our next fight." 

As the day advanced the other corps came into their 
respective positions, the Second being massed at Todd's 
Tavern, protecting the rear of the army and the Ninth 
was at the extreme Union left, and there was more or less 
fighting along the whole line at some time in the day. 
A melancholy train was that made up of ambulances 
and baggage w-agons which on the 8th set out for Fredericks- 
burg, bearing 12,000 wounded men, thence via Belle 
Plain Landing and the Potomac to be distributed to the 
great hospitals of Washington and points further North. 
Sheridan and his troopers also received orders to set out 
upon their famous raid which would flank Lee's army, 
reach the outer defenses of Richmond, slay J. E. B. Stuart, 
the most remarkable cavalryman of the Confederacy, 
and leave a gruesome token of its venturesome trip by a 
trail of decaying horseflesh and freshly made graves for 
considerably more than a hundred and fifty miles. The 
magnitude of this adventure, which began Monday morn- 
ing, May 9th, may be seen when we know that it com- 



184 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

prised 10,000 horsemen, riding in fours and well closed 
up, yet constituting a column thirteen miles long requir- 
ing, according to a rebel authority, four hours at a brisk 
pace to pass a given point; what an eye opener such a 
force must have been to the Confederates at home, who 
had little notion of the resources of the North. Rejoin- 
ing the Federal army at Chesterfield Station, on the 25th, 
its results were summed up in having deprived Lee's forces 
of their "Eyes and Ears" (cavalry) since all of the mounted 
rebels started in pursuit, as soon as the move was under- 
stood ; it had damaged Lee's communications, liberated 
nearly four hundred Union prisoners, destroyed an im- 
mense quantity of supplies, killed the leader of his cavalry, 
saved the Union Government the subsistence of ten 
thousand horses and men for more than two weeks, per- 
fected the morale of the cavalry corps and produced a 
moral effect of incalculable good to the Union cause. 

Returning to the incident of the artillery referred to by 
Colonel Peirson in his paper, it is interesting to find the 
same affair recounted by one of the leading Confederates, 
General Fitzhugh Lee, in one of his war sketches. After 
alluding to the ubiquity of the calvary and the work it 
had done in preparing the way for the arrival of R. H. 
Anderson's (Longstreet's) Corps, he says: — 

"Major James Breathed, commanding my horse artillery, 
remained behind and by m;^' order placed a single gun in position 
on a little knoll. We knew the enemy's infantry was marching 
in column through a piece of woods, and the object was to fire 
upon the head of the cokimn. as it debouched, to give the idea 
that a further advance would again be contested, and to compel 
them to develop a line of battle with skirmishers thrown out, etc. 
The delay which it was hoped to occasion by such demonstration 
was desirable. Under Major Breathed's personal superintendence 
shells Avere thrown, and burst exactly in the head of the column as 
it debouched. The desired effect was obtained ; the leading troops 
were scattered, and it was only with some difiiculty a line of 
battle with skirmishers in its front was formed to continue the 
advance. I was sitting on my horse near Breathed, and directed 
him to withdraw his gun, but lie was so much elated with his 



May 8, '64 



S POTTS YL VAN I A 185 



success that he begged to be allowed to give the enemy some 
more rounds. He fired until their line got so close that you could 
hear them calling out: 'Surrender that gun, you rebel scoundrel. 
Breathed's own horse had just been shot. The cannoneers 
jumped on their horses, expecting of course the gun to be cap- 
tured, and retreated rapidly down the hill. Breathed was left 
alone.' He limbered up the gun and jimiped on the lead horse. 
It was shot from under him. Quick as lightning he drew his 
knife, cut the leaders out of the harness and sprang upon a swing 
or middle horse. It was also shot under him just as he was turn- 
ing to get into the road. He then severed the harness of the 
swing horses, jumped upon one of the wheel horses, and again 
made a desperate attempt to save his gun. The ground was 
open between the piece and woods; the enemy had a full view of 
the exploit; and Breathed at last dashed off unharmed, iriirac- 
ulously escaping through a shower of bullets." 

In confirmation of the foregoing, is the statement of 
Sergt. Wm. A Mentzer, Company A, as follows: "After 
advancing about two and one-half miles we came to a piece 
of artillery on a knoll. While the Rebs fired at us, to our plea- 
sure as well as surprise, they fired over our heads. We drove 
them from their position about half-a-mile, when they 
opened on us again. We in the front rank gave them a 
Yankee yell and charged for the gun. We shot one horse 
and dro\^e away all the men but one, who dismounted, 
cut the traces of the dead horse, remounted in a hurry and 
got away with the gun just as we thought it was ours." 

Battle scenes and incidents, we think-, are indelibly 
impressed upon the memory. Sometimes they are; more 
often many of the prominent features disappear entirely, 
so that when the locality is revisited, difificulty is found in 
reconciling the past impressions with those of the present. 
Thus many of the Thirty-ninth who made that exhausting 
charge under fire, in the morning of the 8th of May, would 
find "themselves at fault at many points, and would won- 
der at the changes in the face of nature, had they the op- 
portunity to go over the route followed under such adverse 
circumstances. Channing Whittaker of "B," however, 
is sure he could recognize the spot where the Regiment re- 



186 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

formed and momentarily rested; the place where Colonel 
Peirson and General Robinson were wounded; the road 
cut through the hill which Grant's army did not pass over 
on May 8th or 9th, the hillside on which he was wounded 
and where he spent the night after the fight; the point 
whence he saw three mounted Confederate Generals and 
where he saw Sergt. Major Conn, hacking away with his 
short Sergeant Major sword at a multitude of Confeder- 
ates who had set upon him and finally carried him away 
captive and, above all, just where Breathed's rebel battery 
was dislodged. 

Of the exactions of this day, M. H. Mentzer, "A," says, 
"Many were exhausted but an officer begged us to cross 
over one field more. We had been advancing and under 
fire from early morning, but we started again, a very thin 
blue line, through a valley, up a rise, when a terrible hail 
of bullets met us; we lay down and hugged the dirt; a 
lull, and then distinctly from the enemy came the order, 

"Now rally North Carolina and give them H — 11!" 

Over they came, taking many prisoners from our little 
line. I started to run as others did but tripped and fell 
headlong down the hill lying still until they had pushed 
our boys well back, when I crawled a short distance to 
cover, several shells bursting in my path as I got away. 
Out of the way, covered with sweat, dirt and ashes, for 
the cinders of the Wilderness were yet on us, I fell asleep, 
and remained here till about four o'clock in the afternoon. 
I fell in with a Natick boy, Company I, who had a bullet 
hole in his wrist; I washed out the wound, tore a piece 
from my shirt and bandaged it as well as I could, washed his 
face and hands, made some coffee to cheer him up and 
then took him to a hospital on the field. Then I set out to 
find my Brigade and Regiment and found them at twilight; 
my brother, Sergt. Mentzer, had reported me as dead 
with a bullet-hole through my forehead; those who saw 
me trip and plunge forward must have mixed me up with 
someone that looked like me. It was in the work of this 



May 8, '64 Spottsylvania 187 

forenoon that General Robinson was wounded and Jeff. 
Cottrell, of "A," Color Sergeant, was wounded and was 
carried part way off the field by Charles Goodwin, only 
to die at last in a rebel prison. My brother, Sergt. W. A. 
Mentzer, then took the colors and carried them until 
Major Tremlett reorganized the color-guard. 

J. H. Burnham also of "A," recalls, "The march down 
the Brock Road with the Fifth Corps from the Wilderness, 
the night of the 7th of May, and our running into Long- 
street's corps, then under General Anderson. The rebels 
were behind, hastily erected breast works and were ready 
for us. We advanced across an open field and suffered 
much from the rifle fire. When near the works, I was 
hit in the abdomen. Throwing down my gun, I made my 
way back across the field, over the dead and dying, and 
lay down under a tree in 'front of a house. As this was 
early in the morning of the Sth, I don't think there were 
many other wounded men there then, but later others 
came. Sometime in the forenoon, a lady came out of the 
house and asked me if I was badly hurt. She also said 
that she was from New Jersey. It seems as though she 
said the place was the Laurel Hill farm, though I under- 
stand it is known in history as the Alsop farm. The next 
day came the ambulances, tents and other outfit of the 
Fifth Corps. I should like to go there some day and have 
a look at the place where I expected to give up my life. 
I carried the ball in my body for months and have it now. 
I never rejoined the Regiment." 

We owe much to Colonel Peirson's recollections of the 
service of the Regiment, but in this affair at Alsop's he 
fails to recount a story remembered by McDonald of "B," 
who says that in the company was a tall Scotchman, 
Hunter by name, much inclined to stoop and, for this 
reason was frequently enjoined by the critical Lieut. 
Colonel to take "the position of a soldier." In the ad- 
vance of this trying Sunday, Robert was stooping as usual 
when a bullet went through his cap. When the ball was 



188 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Reglment 

over and the opportunity came, Hunter sought the 
officer and, holding up his headgear, remarked, "Now, 
look at that; if I had ta'en the position of a so'ger, be 
G-d, that ball wud a gone thru' my heed." R. W. Hall 
of "F" recites an interesting experience of this 8th of May, 
"I had penetrated the abatis in front of the Rebs and was 
unable to extricate myself in time, when our boys fell 
back, and with about one hundred and fifty others was 
taken prisoner, but I never saw the inside of a rebel pri- 
son, as Sheridan in his great raid overtook us toward 
evening of the following day at Beaver Dam Station on 
the Virginia Central Railroad, where we were waiting. 
How plainly I can see General Custer and another cavalry- 
man in the lead, when they dashed down the road as we 
were about to take the train for Richmond. Of course 
we had to keep up with the cavalry during the raid 
and to dodge the Rebs who, in small squads, contested 
the way. Their General Stuart was killed or mortally 
wounded, May 11th, at the Yellow Tavern, in a very hot 
fight. After several days' rapid marching, we came out 
at Malvern Hill, on the James. The gunboats took us 
for Rebs and gave us several shots. City Point, on the 
other side of the river, was not so very far away and thence 
we ex-prisoners took a transport for Alexandria, where 
we were re-equipped and sent to the front as guard for a 
supply-train of the Ninth Corps. When Nelson and I 
reported for duty the surprise we gave our comrades may 
be imagined." 

The 8th was a bloody day for the Thirty-ninth the 
summary of losses revealing ninety-three killed, wounded 
and missing. Lieutenant Dusseault was wounded in the 
breast but an army button diverted the bullet. As he 
wrote in his diary, " I was within thirty feet of the enemy's 
works, and when I was hit, I was sure I was killed, as the 
force of the blow caused me to spin round and round like 
a top, and I fell to the ground. Finding I was not seriously 
hurt, I jumped up and joined in the retreat. When we 



May 8, '64 Spottsylvania 189 

got back, we found Captain W. C. Kinsley of Company 
K in tears; 'Look at my company!' he cried, 'Only seven 
men left out of eighty-seven!' But he was assured that 
the woods were full of our men and that his would be in 
shortly. It proved to be so. We were not called on for 
the rest of the day, and that night we obtained some 
sleep." 

During the closing hours of the 8th, there was digging 
for the Fifth Corps and the early hours of the 9th found 
the hard worked soldiers still using the shovel; the night 
and the following day showing no less than three distinct 
efforts in this direction for the Thirty-ninth, a record in 
which the stories of the Sixteenth Maine and Thirteenth 
Massachusetts accord. Of the day itself and the new posi- 
tions of the several corps, Colonel Peirson remarks, "The 
9th was another hot and dusty day, and the Fifth and 
Sixth Corps occupied it in pressing the enemy and devel- 
oping his position, seeking points of assault. The enemy 
were still passing down during the morning the Parker's 
Store Road, in dangerous proximity to our right and rear, 
and Hancock's Second Corps was at 10 a. m. moved into 
position on Warren's right, making lines of battle along 
the crest commanding the valley of the Po, the artillery 
shelling the rebel trains which were in sight, causing them 
to take a more sheltered road." The new position of the 
opposing forces might be stated, briefly: from the north- 
west to the southeast, a distance of two miles, were Han- 
cock and his Second Corps at the right, next to Warren 
and the Fifth ; then Sedgwick with the Sixth ; and at the 
extreme Union left, Burnside and the Ninth Corps. At 
the rebel right was Hill's Corps, now under Early; the 
extreme left was held by Longstreet's men, under Anderson; 
and the intermediate distance, including the famous 
Salient, was occupied by Ewell's Corps. 

The event of the 9th which emphasized it in the annals 
ot the campaign was the death of Sedgwick, Commander 
of the Sixth Corps. Since the fall of Reynolds at Gettys- 



190 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

burg, no similar misfortune had befallen the army of 
equal importance; universally respected, all but idolized 
by his own men, his very presence at any time was worth 
whole brigades to the cause he loved. "While standing 
behind an outer line of works, personally superintending 
and directing, as was his custom, the posting of a battery 
of artillery at an angle which he regarded of great impor- 
tance, he was shot through the head by a rebel sharp- 
shooter, and died instantly. Never had such a gloom 
rested upon the whole army on account of the death of 
one man as came over it when the heavy tidings passed 
along the lines that General Sedgwick was killed." He 
was Connecticut born. West Point, 1837, having as class- 
mates, Hooker, E. D. Townsend, and Wm. H. French, 
late Commander of the Third Corps, all of the Union Army; 
while his rebel fellows included Braxton Bragg, Pember- 
ton of Vicksburg fame, and one might wonder whether 
Jubal Early, over at the rebel right, had a twinge of sad- 
ness over the summary taking off of the man who, in earlier 
times, had stood by his side on the West Point parade 
ground. Born in 1813, Sedgwick was not yet fifty-one 
years old when sought by the enemy's bullet. 

Some of the besetments of army life and duty at this time 
are well set forth in the story that Lieutenant Dusseault, 
of Company H, tells of his efforts to replenish the supply 
of ammunition for the brigade: "That same night — and 
it was a dark one too — I was detailed to go back to the 
ordnance train for ammunition. I had sixty men from 
the five different regiments of our Brigade to help me. I 
was ordered to bring 25,000 rounds (twenty-five boxes). 
We had secured the requisite amount and were returning 
to the brigade in the thick darkness. As it took two men 
to carry a box, which was supported on a blanket between 
them, it was impossible to keep the men together, and as 
I did not know them, many of them dropped their burdens 
and ran away. When we got back to our camping place, 
we found that the brigade had moved on a mile and a half 



May 9, '64 Spottsylvania 191 

further. When I came to my superior officer, I had but 
seven boxes to deliver to him. Rousing from his sleep, 
he ordered me to go back immediately and secure the rest, 
and then turned over and went to sleep again. It had to 
be done and at about two or three o'clock in the morning I 
reported the second time, not with the lost boxes, but 
with enough others that had been obtained in a way which 
I will not stop to explain." 

May 10th adds another day to the long battle list of 
1864; while a part of the Spottsylvania encounter, it 
bears to those who had a part, the sub-title of "Laurel 
Hill," the location being in the same vicinity as that of 
Sunday's fight at Alsop's Farm, possibly somewhat 
further towards the south. While there was fighting along 
the entire line, of that portion of the same in which we 
are directly interested, Swinton, in his history of the Army 
of the Potomac, says : — 

"The point against which the attack Avas designed to be made 
was a hill held by the enemy in front of Warren's line. This was 
perhaps the most formidable point along the enemy's whole 
front. Its densely wooded crest was crowned by earthworks, 
while the approach, which was swept by artillery and musketry 
fire, was rendered more difficult and hazardous by a heavy growth 
of low cedars, mostly dead, the long bayonet-like branches of 
which, interlaced and pointing in all directions, presented an 
almost impassable barrier to the advance of a line of battle. 
The attack of this position had already been essayed during the 
day by troops of the Second and Fifth Corps, and with most un- 
promising results. When Hancock's divisions joined the Fifth, 
an assault was made by the troops of both corps at five o'clock; 
but it met a bloody repulse. The men struggled bravely against 
an impossible task, and even entered the enemy's breastworks at 
one or two points; but they soon wavered and fell back in con- 
fusion and great slaughter. Notwithstanding the disastrous 
upshot of this assault, the experience of which had taught the 
troops that the work assigned them was really hopeless, a second 
assault was ordered, an hour after the failure of the first. The 
repulse of this was even more complete than that of the former 
effort. The loss in the two attacks was between five and six 
thousand, while it is doubtful whether the enemy lost as many 



192 Thirty-xinth Massachusetts Regiment 

hundreds. Among the killed was Brigadier General Rice* of 
the Fifth Corps, distinguished for his intrepid bearing on many 
fields." 

This was the day, when at the left of the Fifth Corps 
a portion of the Sixth was more successful, yet even its 
fruits were not held. General Emory Upton of the First 
Division, Second Brigade, in a vigorous charge carried 
the enemy's first line of intrenchments, capturing nine 
hundred prisoners and several guns. This attack, however, 
was unsupported and the advantage could not be main- 
tained, so that at nightfall Upton withdrew and the 
captured guns were left behind. General Meade ascribed 
the failure of the movement to the lack of expected sup- 
port from Mott's Division of the Second Corps on his left. 
The reports of Generals Meade and Warren add nothing 
to the foregoing while Lieutenant Colonel Peirson particu- 
larizes as follows: — 

"The ground in front of the Laurel Hill position was swept by 
the enemy's artillery, and our men suffered severely from it. In 
our own Regiment, w^e lost several men, killed by the falling limbs 
of the huge pine trees cut off by the enemy's artillery fire. One 
of our men was pinned to the ground by one of these limbs, so 
near to the enemy's line, that, when we retreated, as we did upon 
receiving a terrific musketrj/ fire at point blank range, he was the 
only one who saw that after the volley the enemy ran as fast as 
we did, but in the opposite direction. They soon returned, how- 
ever, and captured the observer. At some points our troops even 
entered the breastworks, but the men though brave were easily 
discouraged, and the long continued strain and fatigue told upon 
their spirit; and while they would defend their position to the 



*James Clay Rice was born in Worthington, Mass., December 27, 1829, 
and was graduated from Yale in 1854; after a period spent in teaching in 
Natchez, Miss., he came to New York, studied law, began its practice in 1856, 
and thus the war found him. He enlisted as a private in the Thirty-ninth 
(Garabaldi Guards) New York Infantry, was soon commissioned First Lieuten- 
ant, and Adjutant, and as a Captain, was present at Bull Run. On the organi- 
zation of the Forty-fourth New York, or the Ellsworth Avengers, he was made 
Lieutenant Colonel, later Colonel and saw all of the aclive service of that regi- 
ment, winning distinction at Gettysburg. At the time of his death he was in 
command of the Second Brigade, Fourth (Wadsworth's) Division of the Fifth 
Corps. Like Sedgwick, he was shot by a sharpshooter. His last words were, 
"Turn me over towards the enemy; let me die with my face to the foe." 



May 10, '64 Spottsylvania 193 

last, or retire in the face of heavy odds with the utmost coolness, 
the fact remains that the men of the Second and Fifth Corps 
were not as ambitious on the 10th, as they had been on the 6th 
and 8th of May." 

While the Ninth Corps, General Burnside, did no severe 
fighting on the 10th, the day nevertheless was significant 
in Bay State records through the death of General Thomas 
G. Stevenson, commanding the First Division of that 
Corps. Born in Boston, February 3, 1836, he early dis- 
played a bent for military matters and at the outbreak of 
the Rebellion commanded a battalion of militia in Boston 
harbor. At the head of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts 
Infantry, he accompanied the Burnside Expedition to 
North Carolina, winning laurels everyw^here. On the 
return of Burnside from ^he Southw^est, Stevenson who 
already had won his star, was made commander as above 
and like Rice and Sedgwick is supposed to have been the 
victim of a sharpshooter. 

While Colonel Peirson has given us a deal of informa- 
tion concerning the beginning of the Battle Summer, he 
says nothing of the fact that he had, himself, a narrow es- 
cape from death. Colonel Theodore Lyman, in his diary, 
writes of a visit made by himself and General Peirson to 
these scenes, and has this to offer on his obser\^ations : — 

"A few hundred yards to the right of where this attack was 
made, we visited the patch of pine woods, where, on the 10th, 
Peirson's brigade again advanced to the attack. The brigade 
advanced to within about one hundred yards of the works, and 
then began firing in the thick woods, being exposed to a tre- 
mendous artillery enfilade, whose inarks still remained in the 
fallen timber. Peirson said he ordered his men to cease firing, 
finding few balls coming the other way. but got an order from the 
brigade commander to open again. Then Peirson was knocked 
senseless by a shell." 

Concerning the injury to Colonel Peirson, Lieut. 
Dusseaut of "M" has this version: — 

"On the 10th of May at Laurel Hill, our men were lying flat 
upon the ground, under the enfilading fire of artillery from the 



194 Thirty-nixth Massachusetts Regiment 

left and the direct fire of musketry from the front. As an officer 
of Company H, I had been trying to get up into the line a private 
of that company who was lying forty or fifty yards behind it. 
I had tired of exposing myself in the endeavor and had left 
him and taken my place in the line. At about that time, Lieuten- 
ant Colonel Peirson, who was walking back and forth, erect, as 
was his custom, saw him and went back to get him up into his 
place. I went back to help him. We had succeeded in getting 
him up to within eight or ten feet of the line. The Lieutenant 
Colonel who was within two feet of me, had his sword in his 
hand, both arms extended, and was leaning forward a little, 
when a piece of a shell came between his arms and his body, 
ripped out the breast of his coat, smashed his field glasses in their 
case, and jammed the hilt of his sword. He doubled up, fell 
forward on his head, and then over sideways. Colonel Davis, 
who was standing eight or ten feet in our rear, asked, 'Lieutenant, 
is he dead?' and I answered, 'Yes.' I called two men of my 
company and told them to take him to the rear. They turned 
him over upon his back, one taking hold of him near the head, 
and the other by the feet. When they commenced to raise him, 
his eyes began to blink and he answered the question which had 
been asked three or four minutes earlier by Colonel Davis, saying, 
'No. I guess it isn't much.' He was sent back to the hospital 
and was very sick there, but he rejoined the Regiment on the 9th 
of June. Lieutenant Colonel Peirson was strictly a temperance 
man, but he carried a flask of brandy for emergencies, and he had 
requested some of the officers to give some to him if he should 
be hurt. It happened that the shell cut off the lower half of the 
flask and it fell in front of Private Richardson of Company A. 
A few drops remained in the flask which Richardson immediately 
drained, saying, 'They are throwing good brandy at us." 

Of this same event, one of the men of "A" writes, "One 
piece of shell wounded Colonel Peirson, ripping off a row 
of buttons from his coat. I picked them up and divided 
them with the boys. I have one left now. Salem Richard- 
son got the bottom of the Colonel's brandy flask, which 
was shot away by the same bit of shell, and I wish you 
could have seen him empty it." The same incident is 
called up by S. H. Mitchell, also of Company A, whose 
members evidently were keeping their commander under 
observation. The flask was carried against an emergency, 



May 10, '64 Spottsylvania 195 

when it might be of great utility. It offered no resistance 
whatever to the Confederate missile but Comrade Richard- 
son always averred that the coming of the drink was most 
opportune. From the story of the Sixteenth Maine, it is 
learned that this day the brigade was temporarily assigned 
to the First Division, General Cutler commanding. The 
Second brigade was placed in the Third Division, under 
Crawford, and the Third was made independent to report 
directly to General Warren, these changes being induced, 
supposedly, on account of the heavy losses and the wound- 
ing of the commanding officer. General Robinson. 

Possibly the doings of the 11th can be described no better 
than by copying the record as made at the time by John S. 
Beck, "Rested all day to-day, if you can call it rest, for we 
were in a mudhole, out of the range of Rebel shells. Our 
brigade looks small; drew rations; raining hard, everything 
wet through, no blankets or shelter tents. I should have 
been sick were it not for the excitement of battle. Our 
position here looks dubious, as we have to fight the enemy 
behind concealed breastworks and in dense woods. To- 
night we lay down on the wet ground with an old, wet, 
woolen blanket which I picked up." Considering that this 
rain was the first since crossing the Rapidan, it really was a 
comfort even if it did make some, for the time, unpleasantly 
wet. The 11th is noteworthy from another fact, viz., that 
it is on this day that Grant telegraphs to Washington the 
prominent features of the campaign thus far, that rein- 
forcem.ents would be encouraging, and that he purposes 
"to fight it out on this line, if it takes all summer." 

Thursday, the 12th of May, is the day of the dread 
"Salient" or the "Bloody Angle" of Spottsylvania. Had 
our Regiment been with Barlow's men of the Second Corps, 
or with the Vermont Brigade of the Sixth, the mortality 
record of the Thirty-ninth might have been far different, 
though all participants in any portion of this bloody field 
have ever thought their losses severe enough. The vision 
of that First Division of the Second Corps, in the morning 



196 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

mists emerging from the woods at the Union left centre, 
and with determined rush, "a narrow front, but extending 
back as far as the eye could see," seeking the Confederate 
works, is one that memory needs no assistance in recalling. 
Through wonderful good fortune for us, the artillery of the 
enemy had been withdrawn and the guns which might have 
cut wide swaths through that disordered mass of blue, 
were hastening back, arriving just in time to be captured, 
the assault resulting in the capture of General Edward 
Johnson's Division of Ewell's Corps, including the com- 
mander, with twenty pieces of artillery and thirty stands 
of colors. But this did not end the day. So furious was 
the foe over the loss of men, munitions and position, that 
the struggle for reinstatement became possibly the fiercest 
and most deadly of the entire war. Once at least, the bayo- 
net became a weapon of real contact. Here it was that the 
large oak tree was actually cut down by bullets from both 
sides. The ground, at the margin of the works, was covered 
with piles of the dead, and for twenty hours the battle 
raged, until the wearied rebels withdrew, unable to retake 
the lines lost in the morning. 

In this rapid sur\'ey, no mention is made of the Sixth 
and Ninth Corps, but each one accomplished the task 
assigned, nor was the Fifth by any means idle. Inferring 
from the forces pressing upon Hancock in his endeavor to 
hold advantage of the 'early morning, that the enemy must 
be withdrawing his right and left to assist his centre, both 
Burnside and Warren were ordered forward. Warren 
obeying, advanced at something after nine o'clock, but was 
repulsed, "for Longstrcet's corps was holding its intrench- 
ments in force." Of this in his report, Warren says: 

"The enemy's direct and flank fire was too destructive. Lost 
very heavily. The enemy continuing to fire on the Second and 
Sixth Corps, I was compelled to withdraw Griffin's and Cutler's 
divisions (First and F'ourth) and send them to the support where 
they again became engaged. My whole front was held by Craw- 
ford's Division (Third) and Kitching'sand the Maryland Brigades, 
presenting a line of battle not as strong as a single line. The 



May 12, '64 Spottsylvania 197 

enemy made no serious attempt to force it. My divisions on the 
left were relieved during the night from their position, and re- 
turned to the right in the morning, having been kept awake 
nearly all the night, which was rainy." 

A graphic picture of the work of the Brigade is painted 
by Adjutant Small of the Sixteenth Maine in his history of 
the Regiment, and a portion of it is reproduced here: 

"The men, thoroughly exhausted, would lie at length on the 
cool, fresh earth, some of the timid ones hugging the bottom of 
the trench, painfully expressing the dread of something to come. 
And yet these timid ones, at the first rebel yell, would over and 
'at them,' or draw bead on some venturesome Johnnie, and 
shout with derision if he was made to dodge. If they dropped 
him, a grim look of satisfaction, shaded with pity, passed over 
their dirty faces. The quiet was almost unbearable, the heat in 
the trenches intolerable, and rain, which commenced falling, was 
most welcome. Time dragged. We had not the slightest hint 
of what was developing. The rebels seemed very far off and 
trouble ominously near. From the right came an aide, and, 
quietly passing down the line of works, he dropped a word to this 
and that colonel; only a ripple, and all was again suspiciously 
still. 'What was it. Colonel?' asked the adjutant. The Colonel 
made no reply but simply pointed up the hill. Soon he took out 
his watch and looked anxiously to the right. Suddenly a com- 
motion ran down the line, followed by the command, 'Attention! 
Forward, double quick!' On went the Brigade with a yell which 
was echoed by thousands of throats in front and was thrown 
back by the double columns in our rear. Down from the rebel 
right thundered shot and shell, making great gaps in our ranks, 
while on swept the Brigade, until suddenly loomed up in our 
front, three lines of works — literally a tier, one above another, 
— bristling with rifles ready aimed for our reception. There was 
lead enough to still every heart that was present, and yet, when 
sheets of flame shot out in our faces, scarcely a dozen of the Regi- 
ment were hit. Then men tore wildly at the abatis, and rushed 
on only to fall back or die. Again and again did the Brigade 
charge, and as often came those terrible sheets of flame in our 
faces, while solid shot and shell enfiladed our ranks. The crash 
which followed the fearful blaze swept away men, as the coming 
wind would sweep away the leaves from the laurel overhead. . . . 
Just as the last charge of ammunition was rammed home, relief 
came, when the Brigade retired to the works in the rear, to learn 
that it was not expected of the Brigade to carry the works, only 



198 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to hold a strong force of the enemy, while Hancock carried the 
lines in his front, which were more favorably situated for a suc- 
cessful attack." 

It was in the trying scenes of this exacting effort that 
Major Leavitt, of the Sixteenth, so endeared by his manly 
character, received the wound from which he died on the 
30th instant in Washington. His was a nature too broad 
and brave to be confined to the limits of his own Regiment. 
"None knew him but to love him." 

How the day seemed to a Company C man appears in 
his diary entry for the day: "Still damp, wet and rainy; 
the day opened with an advance of the Second Corps under 
Hancock, who carried the enemy's front line of breastworks 
and captured a division of the rebels and their General, 
Johnson. We were soon on the move to support our First 
Division in a general charge and were soon into it, hot and 
heavy. The enemy soon had another enfilading fire of 
grape and canister on us, and we could do nothing. Edward 
Ireland was killed by a solid shot and Henry Ireland was 
wounded in the arm. Soon after being withdrawn to the 
rear, we were sent to the left to support the Sixth Corps, 
and lay in a line of rifle-pits about two hours, when again 
we advanced through the woods and joined the Sixth Corps 
on the right, where we lay all the afternoon. We heard our 
folks pouring shells into the enemy from mortars. We 
turned in for the night, resting on our arms, wet through 
to the skin." 

The night was uncomfortable enough and during its 
hours there was an alarm that the enemy was advancing, 
while the truth was that Johnny Reb was quite as tired as 
the Yankees. Even soldiers must rest sometime, and early 
in the morning of the 13th the division was withdrawn to 
the rear, and for a short time laid aside responsibility, but 
it was not a long rest, since those rifle-pits must be filled 
with someone, and all too soon "we were moved up to the 
right, into works along with the One Hundred and Forty- 
sixth New York. Nothing here but water and mud. 



May 13, '64 Spottsylvania 199 

Showery all day, though the men are in good spirits, not- 
withstanding. About 8 p. m. when we were beginning to 
arrange to stretch out for the night, orders came to move, 
and we fell in, following the rest of the corps to the left. 
The mud was dreadful, the night dark, we forded streams 
up to our knees, and the mud all the time was over shoes." 
Grant had not yet found the spot through which he could 
force his way, so the Fifth Corps once more essays the part 
of pioneers, and leads the move towards the inevitable 
left, seeking in vain for some point not bristling with rebel 
bayonets, or threatening with black throated cannon. 
Truly our Lieutenant General is finding out, not only how 
strenuous is the Eastern Union soldier, but his eyes are 
opening wide as to the resourcefulness of the Eastern Con- 
federate and his eternal vigilance. 

It is another flank movement, and the men of Warren's 
Corps are moving to Burnside's left with orders to assault 
with that Corps at four o'clock in the morning of the 14th. 
Very likely the difticulties of this night, with its more than 
Egyptian darkness, had not been reckoned upon by the 
Commander and the appointed hour found the would-be 
assailants a long way from the point of expected advance. 
The route was past the Landrum House to the Ny River, 
which had to be waded, and beyond the route did not 
follow any road, traversing the fields, and a track was 
cut through the woods. Then came a fog, so dense that 
not even the fires built to light the way could be seen. 
Men exhausted by the difficulties of the move and previ- 
ous exactions fell asleep all along the way. The new locality 
was quite unknown and by daylight when the expected 
attack was to take place, only Griffin with his First Divi- 
sion, having only twelve hundred "fagged-out men" had 
arrived. It was seven o'clock before General Cutler got 
thirteen hundred of his men together. Naturally the 
four o'clock charge was not made. 

Wright and the Sixth Corps moved still further to the 
left, but had to do some fighting to get just the position 



200 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

wanted. All observ^ers, whether of Regiment or Brigade, 
agree that the day was wet and comparatively quiet, 
though the enemy's shells passed harmlessly over the heads 
of the tired men, many of whom slept the sleep of utter 
exhaustion, the waking ones thankful that the fuses in 
said shells were long enough to keep up their hissing until 
a considerable distance beyond us before bursting. In 
the mutations of fighting and moving about, all the regu- 
lar contents of knapsacks had disappeared, the most of 
the men retaining, in addition to canteen and haversack, 
rubber blankets only; besides, rations were scarce, yet 
men were content to rest without food, so trying had been 
the ordeal of the preceding ten days. After all, the average 
Yankee is ever anxious to know just where he is, and 
several entries of the 14th are to the effect that the Regi- 
ment is near the Fredericksburg turnpike, about eight 
miles from the city itself and, from a mile and a half to 
two miles from Spottsylvania Court House. With only 
the canopy of the sky as a covering, a large part of the 
Thirty-ninth slept through the night of the 14th-15th. 
The 15th is Sunday, and just a week away from the 
sad experience of Alsop's farm. These men of the First 
Brigade are fast becoming hardened veterans, and they 
have the privilege of greeting as such the comrades who 
had been home on re-enlistment furloughs and who, this 
day, got back again. There are many comparisons between 
the spic-and-span attire of the just-returned, and the 
"of-the-earth, earthy" apparel of men who, for ten long 
days and nights have fought and marched, at intervals 
hugging muddy mother-earth, till all semblance of clean- 
liness has disappeared, and dress parades have faded out 
of the recollections of all concerned. Then too the ravages 
of the hotly contested field have torn great gaps in the 
erstwhile well-filled ranks so that only squads of men con- 
stitute what have been long company lines. Some boys 
remark on the quiet of Sunday and think it properly kept; 
three days' rations are drawn, including fresh beef, and, 



May 15, '64 Spottsylvaxia 201 

with returning vitality and spirits, learning that the 
Eleventh Massachusetts Battery, in the Ninth Corps, is 
hard by, men of the Thirty-ninth make friendly visits to 
their acquaintances therein. Colonel Davis comes back 
to the Regiment to-day, looking much better than when 
he dropped out. Towards night, six o'clock, the troops are 
formed in line with expectation of an attack; four lines 
deep, our right rests on the top of a hill whence, as far as 
the eye can reach, armed men are seen awaiting the attack 
which is not made. It is a sight to remember! 

Monday, the 16th, is also a quiet day for this campaign. 
Beginning foggy and damp, with the rising sun the mists 
clear away and it is very warm. On some sort of an alarm 
we are deployed, in line with the One Hundred and Seventh 
Pennsylvania, Colonel McCoy, that has just got back 
from its home trip on account of re-enlistment. On being 
recalled to our former station, we are set to work entrench- 
ing, introducing heavy timbers into our lines of works, 
three deep. About 9 p. m., we have to stop work, because 
the tools are needed elsewhere. Though there are showers 
in the evening, the moon finally shines through and, under 
her benign light, the Regiment sleeps. Nor does the record 
of the 17th differ essentially from that of yesterday. 
Foggy in the morning, then clearing and warm ; picket or 
skirmish line duty for some and, about 4 p. m., our lines are 
moved to the right, nearer those of the Ninth Corps where 
there is more digging to render safe our position in case of 
attack. It is about this time that General Grant finds the 
army encumbered with anexcessof artillery and, accordingly, 
sends back to Washington over a hundred guns; how the 
Johnnies would like to have some of these same weapons! 
All of them will come back again before the Petersburg 
siege is over. 

Those who remember clearly the events of the 18th will 
agree that the most important one was the arrival, at 5 
p. m., of the first mail since leaving camp at Mitchell's 
Station. What joy its contents gave those loyal hearts! 



202 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Yet there were missives, in that coming of the postman, 
for faithful lovers whose eyes, many hours before, had 
closed in dreamless sleep, and in this life could never know 
how fondly they were remembered. The enemy, as if to 
make amends for continued quiet, began to shell the 
Ninth Corps just after our early breakfast, which we had 
soon after four o'clock. For some reason, General Warren 
wanted our Brigade nearer him, so at seven o'clock we were 
moved over towards the left and, under a shelling fire, 
lay till well along in the afternoon. Though there were 
six regiments in the Brigade it numbered, all told, less than 
a thousand men. About two o'clock, we returned to the 
right and, at eleven o'clock, reoccupied the works on which 
we had labored the night before. General Warren in his 
report for this day states that General Richard Coulter, 
commanding our Brigade, is severely wounded. This, 
too, is the day of the arrival at the Front of the First 
Massachusetts Heavy Artillery from its long service in the 
defenses of Washington. It is assigned to the Second 
Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, though at present 
it is with the Second Brigade of General Robert O. Tyler's 
Artillery Division, 

For the greater part of the Potomac Army, the 19th is 
a quiet day, though the men in their breastworks notice 
some sort of change on their left. Of the day, General 
Warren says, "All our forces took up position on my left. 
This brought out General Ewell's Corps, who attempted 

to turn our right. He was repulsed, etc Rained in 

afternoon." Regimental note-takers remark on the draw- 
ing of rations, including fresh beef, and the fierce attack on 
their right, well along in the afternoon and of the fact that 
their friends in the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery 
had a severe experience. 

The hot reception accorded the First Heavies is worthy 
of more than passing mention. Recruited to the maximum 
of such organizations, the Regiment was a wonder to the 



May 18, '64 Spottsylvania 203 

men who had been long in the field, for it numbered about 
1800 men, as large as two brigades of those who had been 
in the thickest of the fray. The Confederates of Ewell's 
command, desirous of ascertaining whether the Union 
forces were moving and, incidentally, to capture if possible 
a tempting wagon train, in the afternoon of the 19th, 
undertook to steal around the Union right, bearing down 
thus about 5 p. m. along the Fredericksburg Pike on the 
line of Federal supplies. Whatever the expectations of 
the enemy, the point of attack was by no means unguarded, 
and in history, the engagement is known as that of the 
Heavies, since not only were our First men there, but the 
First Heavy of Maine was in line, and the Second, Seventh 
and Eighth of New York as well. Swinton says that the 
artillerists had not been in battle before, but under fire 
they displayed an audacity surpassing even that of the 
experienced troops. "In these murderous wood-fights, 
the veterans had learned to employ all of the Indian 
devices that afford shelter to the person; but these green 
battalions, unused to this kind of shelter-craft, pushed 
boldly on, firing furiously. Their loss was heavy, but the 
honor of the enemy's repulse belongs to them." Excellent 
evidence of the sturdiness and steadiness of the men, with 
crossed cannon on their caps, is found in the words of an 
old Confederate, spoken in 1901 at the dedication of the 
regimental monument on the scene of the fight, known in 
the annals of the First as Harris Farm : 

"I saw your men march on this field, not deployed, but like 
soldiers on parade, take aim and fire a volley straight from the 
shoulder. You seemed to me the biggest men I had ever seen. 
You were so near that I noticed that all wore clean shirts. There 
was the most perfect discipline and indifi^erence to danger I ever 
saw. It was the talk of our men." 

In Fox's book of Regimental Losses, he puts the killed 
and mortally wounded of our friends, in this engagemet, 
as one hundred and twenty men. 



204 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

NORTH ANNA RIVER 

All agree that the 20th was a quiet day, though signa- 
lized by the arrival of a mail with so many letters and 
papers that for a while the general appearance was one of 
an out-of-door reading expanse, rather than a vast army 
under fire from a vigilant foe, though the latter also ap- 
peared to be quite good natured, and the bands of both 
armies made the air resound with music. Even the even- 
ing following the torrid heat of the day is described as 
moonlit and beautiful. General Meade says of the 21st, 
22nd and 23rd, that they were employed in moving the 
army from Spottsylvania Court House to the North Anna 
River, and General Warren states that his artiller>^ began 
to move at 10 a. m. of the 21st, that the enemy did some 
artillery firing and that the men stood to arms. His head- 
quarters set out at noon. Local observers chronicle some 
activity on the part of the foe with certain changes in regi- 
mental positions and the actual starting at about noon, 
leaving pickets on their stations to shift for themselves. 
They march through a part of the country hitherto un- 
touched by Union soldiers, and the people are seemingly 
badly scared. The stop for the night is at Guinea Station, 
covering a distance, someone says, of eleven miles. Though 
the men turn out at three o'clock in the morning of Sunday, 
the 22nd, they do not advance until almost noon, and then 
under a hot sun they marched ten miles to a certain Bull's 
church (St. Margaret's) where are seen a number of Con- 
federate prisoners, and it is said that Lee passed through 
in the morning. The worst feature of the march is the 
fact that it is made on empty stomachs, for the rations 
have not come up. 

Of the country through which Grant and his soldiers 
are making another flank movement, many remarks are 
made because of its improved appearance over that of the 
region about Fredericksburg and northward, where war 
had been raging for three years, and it had become a veri- 



May 22, '64 North Anna River 205 

table land of desolation. To the eyes of the soldiers it was 
a delightful sight, and one writer in the Thirty-ninth pays 
it the highest compliment possible by saying, "It looks 
like New England," and the same chronicler says he can't 
bear to see the men foraging for pigs, hens and everything 
edible, somewhat forced thereto, on account of the wagons 
being so far behind, and the tender hearted fellow contin- 
ues, much to the credit of his bringing up, "Many of the 
people are poor and they need all they have for their own 
keeping," In army annals, the 23rd is known as the day 
of the North Anna River. In his report, General Warren 
states : 

"General Cutler's division leading got off promptly at 5. a. m. 
Reached forks, where one road goes to the ford and one to the 
bridge, at 9. a. m. Cavalry skirmishing a little in advance. A 
deserter says it is Rosser's cavalry; says there is artillery and 
infantry on the other side. Turned back to give that road to 
Hancock and got possession of a crossing at a mill at 1 p. m. 
By 3.10 p. m.. General Griffin's division had nearly all forded, 
and at 3.10 p. m. bridge-train began to arrive. About 4.30, 
bridge (pontoon) was completed and last of General Cutler's 
division crossed. About 6 a. m. enemy assaulted us. My right 
gave way, and the artillery drove back the enemy. We repulsed 
them everywhere." 

From internal sources, we learn that the Thirty-ninth 
was started out before 5 a. m., and marched rapidly 
towards the North Anna. Getting on the wrong road a 
halt was had for an hour, and certain portions of the Second 
Corps passed by, including the Tenth Massachusetts 
Battery, the old friends of Poolesville, and later we got 
the right road and reached Jericho Ford, though it was 
pretty deep for men of ordinary stature. However, the 
crossing had been effected by others and the pontoon 
bridge laid so that we went over dry shod. An attack was 
made upon us soon after reaching the south side, the fight 
continuing until after dark. The enemy had expected to 
drive us back to the steep banks of the river, and possibly 
into it, but they made the error of letting over too many of 



206 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

us, and our artillery was quite too effectual for them. The 
high banks of the North Anna, would have made matters 
very bad for us had not the rebel calculations miscarried. 
While there was some loss, one killed in Company H, and 
several wounded, the loss of the Confederates was con- 
siderable. We lay very quietly on our arms throughout 
the night, no lights being tolerated lest we might reveal 
our location to the foe. 

While the Second Corps is doing considerable fighting 
on the Union left and though the Thirty-ninth shifts its 
position, relatively the 24th is a quiet day. The enemy 
has fallen back a mile or so and he is followed up, advantage 
being taken of the opportunity to tear up some long 
stretches of the railroad and to bend the rails around trees, 
thus rendering them quite useless for the future. The 
wagon train having crossed the river, rations for four 
days are distributed and, as one man states, "They are 
badly needed." Large numbers of the enemy keep coming 
in, and they appear, for the most part, very glad to reach 
a point where food is possible, even if the wagons are 
sometimes slow in reaching us. As a variant on the unusual 
quiet of the day, a heavy thunder storm imparts noise and 
moisture to the scene. It is on this day that the Ninth 
Corps is formally incorporated with the Army of the 
Potomac, General Burnside generously waiving any rights 
possessed by the priority of his commission over that of 
General Meade. General Warren speaks of spending all 
of the 25th in getting into position in front of the enemy's 
line and driving in his (the enemy's) light troops to his 
main force. "Found Hill's Corps intrenched between 
the North Anna and the Little River. Lost about one 
hundred and fifty men and ofiicers during the day." Dur- 
ing this day, some of the men had severe experience on the 
skirmish line, fully nine hours of tedious duty, with in- 
cessant firing along the line. A severe thunder shower 
marked this day also, and it was a wet earth upon which 
the men undertook at last to sleep. 



May 25, '64 North Anna River 207 

Again the flank movement had failed to discover an 
assailable point in the confederate lines. They had been 
thoroughly reconnoitered and "so great was the natural 
strength of the ground, so well were the intrenchments 
traversed, so tenacious was the Southern infantry, that it 
seemed impossible to produce any serious impression upon 
them. To have attacked the army of Northern Virginia 
across intrenchment of the kind found here, would have in- 
volved a useless slaughter." The Corps Commander re- 
ports for the 26th, "Hard rain in morning at seven o'clock. 
Remained in position all day. Rained in afternoon. At 
dark, began to recross the North Anna River at Quarles' 
Mills. Roads heavy and slippery with mud and approaches 
to stream bad. All not over till near daylight." The 
day proves to be more than usually wet and disagreeable, 
but in the forenoon many are surprised and pleased at the 
return of the men, captured on the Sth at Alsop's farm, 
and retaken by Custer the next day at Beaver Dam Station, 
who now rejoin the Regiment ready for duty. 

Skirmishing continues all day and the pickets are active, 
yet there is no set engagem.ent, the head officers having 
decided on still another movement towards the inevitable 
left. At nine o'clock in the evening, we move out of our 
works, under orders to not speak above a whisper, so that 
our departure may not be suspected and the end of the 26th 
of the month beholds us approaching the recrossing of the 
North Anna. 

Early in the morning of the 27th, we recross the river 
and at 2.30 a. m., some distance beyond the stream must 
halt and draw three days' rations, which we are told must 
last us six. An hour later we are on the march and struggle 
on through characteristic Virginia mud, so thick and adhe- 
sive that many a footgear is left in its tenacious clutches. 
There is very little halting for us, since we are trying to 
interpose ourselves between Lee and Richmond, and we 
must move more rapidly than the latter since he, being on 
the arc of an inner circle, has a less distance to overcome 



208 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

than we. At eight o'clock comes a welcome halt for break- 
fast, the pause being protracted for rest until nearly noon, 
when we are up and ofif again, with very little cessation till 
seven in the evening, having marched almost continously 
twenty-two hours and covering twenty-five miles. We had 
not had our clothes off intwenty-fourdays;nota man thought 
of washing his face, much less of taking a bath; nor is the 
strain over yet. In what condition men, gently reared, 
found themselves may be imagined. Camp is pitched near 
Mangohick Church. The 28th begins as early as four o'clock, 
and following breakfast the march is resumed at six, and 
the Pamunkey River is crossed at Newcastle. Halting some 
three miles beyond the river, breastworks are built, the 
men proclaiming the digging easy, and here we halt for the 
night, being about fifteen miles from Richmond, the nearest 
point to the confederate capital as yet reached b}^ the 
Thirty-ninth. 

The record for the 29th is one of marching, waiting and 
digging. Though ordered out at four o'clock in the morning 
with the further direction to be ready to start at five, we 
wait till nearly noon, in the meantime seeing the arrival 
of the Ninth Corps, after an all night's march. On starting 
we find great masses of troops assembled in every direction, 
our Regiment halting near the Fifth Corps' headquarters, 
where we remain till near seven o'clock, when we proceed to 
the left, some two and a half miles, where the Brigade throws 
up breastworks; the Thirty-ninth going on picket later, the 
night proving a quiet one. It would have been enjoyable 
if our haversacks had not been empty, the injunction to 
make our last rations hold out six days not having been 
found practicable. Though we find roses in full bloom con- 
siderably earlier than at home, this does not offset hungry 
stomachs. About 7 a. m., we retire from the picket line 
and join the other troops of our Corps, and after a short 
march of about one mile, we draw rations of fresh beef, 
which help out somewhat, and later still came the rations 
we so much needed. The wagons could not come up so 



May 31, '64 Cold Harbor 209 

one hundred men were detailed to go back to the train and 
bring the food with them, this being after a day given to 
efforts to repel attacks that did not seriously affect our 
Regiment. Beck of "E" Company records that this day 
the old Second Division got together again under the com- 
mand of Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood, though the 
fact is stated elsewhere as provisional. 

COLD HARBOR 

The sun of May 31st rose red and torrid and the day 
proved to be terribly hot. Fortunately the exegencies of 
the campaign did not require any considerable activity, 
and the men had the privilege of "sweltering" in the breast- 
works or of "lolling" under their shelter tents, just back of 
the trenches. General Warren records of the day that 
the skirmishers were pushed forward about one mile, with- 
out opposition, beyond Bethesda Church. While there is 
the sound of cannonading on both the right and left, the 
last day of May, so far as our Regiment is concerned, is 
the safest seen since crossing the Rapidan. The day is the 
prelude to the opening of the Cold Harbor fight, one which 
will cover June 1-12, and it closes with the Union forces 
extending nearly North and South. White House on the 
Pamunkey has become the new base of supplies and here 
the Eighteenth Corps, under General W. F. Smith, landed 
on the 30th, and by forced marches will be able to take 
position between the Fifth and Sixth Corps on the 1st of 
June. The section now harried by the opposing armies was 
the scene of active warfare two years ago, for Fair Oaks 
began on the 31st of May and to-morrow's Cold Harbor 
will begin to repeat the horrors of the Seven Days' Fight. 
The efforts of Generals Grant and Meade to find an 
unguarded point through which the Union Army might 
interpose itself between Richmond and the Confederate 
Army have thus far proved unavailing. Whether active 
at the head of his forces or weak and ailing, borne along 



210 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

his line in a carriage, General Lee is still untiring in his 
watchfulness and, loyally supported by such lieutenants 
as Ewell, Hill, Early, Anderson and others, there is always 
a firm gray wall confronting the determined line in blue. 
Attempts to force it had been unsuccessful at the North 
Anna and Totopotomy and now, on McClellan's old battle 
fields, another fierce assault is to be made on the enemy's 
works, though the brunt of the charge will not come on 
the Fifth Corps this day; rather will the story be told by 
those who fought in the ranks of the Sixth and Eighteenth 
Corps, which had gained their places, some portions thereof, 
late in the afternoon, and after desperate fighting carried 
certain of the Confederate defences. Turning again to 
the words of General Warren, we learn that there was a 
movement against the rebel position which was intrenched 
with a large space of clear ground in front, swept by artil- 
lery. The Corps suffers a loss of two hundred killed and 
wounded and the line is extended four to five miles; the 
Corps is attacked in several places, quite severely on the 
right just before dark. 

Lieutenant Dusseault of Company H has the following 
account of the night of the 31st of May and the 1st of 
June, showing very well what a portion of the Thirty- 
ninth was doing: — 

"On the skirmish line, last night, I became completely ex- 
hausted. We were a mile and a half in advance of our main line; 
the sergeant with me was of the One Hundred and Fourth New 
York; I left him in charge and went to sleep. About midnight, 
when it was pitch dark, he roused me, with the words, 'They are 
coming ! They are coming!' It seems that the enemy were march- 
ing in one, long, steady column towards our right. They were so 
near that we could hear their voices, and their tramping shook the 
earth where we lay. In the morning we found their earthworks 
empty, and we so reported at headquarters. June 1st was pleas- 
ant but hot, our skirmish line, a mile and a half from our main 
line, was in the woods and close up to the enemy. At daybreak 
when we found their works vacated, I reported to division officer 
of the picket. Major Pierce, of the Thirteenth Massachusetts, 
who ordered me to advance my line. But just as I was about to 



May 31, '64 Cold Harbor 211 

do so, we found the enemy were moving back to our left. They 
passed within three hundred feet of our picket line, thus putting 
us in a precarious position. Their flankers were within two 
hundred feet of us, and we did not dare to move in the hour or 
more that it took them to pass. There must have been five or 
six thousand of them. They finally halted and slipped into 
their old works. Just then, the New York Ninth Infantry, 
deployed as skirmishers advanced to relieve us, making so much 
noise that they drew the enemy's fire and several of the New 
York boys were killed. The rebels must have thought the whole 
Yankee line was advancing, for they shelled the entire woods 
severely. We lay as closely as possible, and when there was a 
lull in the firing, we would fall back and thus gradually regained 
the Regiment, and went to work at building breastworks. About 
7 p. m., we moved to our left, into an open field, where we threw 
up a new line of works, making the eighteenth that we had 
started in this campaign. There was a terrible battle in progress 
at our left, lasting till 9 p. m., the Sixth and Eighteenth Corps 
losing heavily. 

Though no part of the experience of the Fifth Corps, 
it is quite in place to state that the battle which was heard 
at the Union left was that of the Sixth and Eighteenth 
Corps in the beginning of the sanguinary contest which 
was to rage along the lines of blue and gray for almost 
two weeks and which, in these, the opening hours, marked 
the attempt of the above named bodies to dislodge the 
Confederate divisions of Hoke, Kershaw, Pickett and 
Field, reading from rebel right to left, resulting in partial 
success but at the cost of between two and three thousand 
men on our side. During the night of the 1st Hancock 
and his Second Corps were withdrawn from the Union 
right, and by dint of a very trying march were found at 
the extreme Union left in the morning of the 2d of June, 
yet not in time for the early charge which had been ordered 
for that day. The several corps are now in order from 
left to right, Second, Sixth, Eighteenth, Fifth and Ninth, 
with a considerable gap between the Eighteenth and 
Fifth, covered by a picket line only. Captain Porter of 
the Thirty-ninth, in a paper read in 1881 before the Mili- 



212 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

tary Historical Society of Massachusetts, refers to this 
hiatus as an "interval over a most desolate piece of coun- 
try, woody, rocky, and quite hilly." The great 3rd of 
June charge, that to which Grant in his Memoirs refers, 
saying, "I have always regretted that the last assault 
at Cold Harbor was ever made," this bloody scene, also, 
was at the Union left, the brunt being borne by the Second 
Corps, and in less degree only by the men of the Sixth and 
Eighteenth Corps. Of the Fifth Corps, Porter says, 
"Warren, who occupied a front of nearly four miles, was 
altogether too much extended to allow of his having any 
available force to assault with, and he was content with 
carrying the enemy's skirmish line on his front." The 
Ninth Corps attacked the foe with some success, pushing 
its lines well to the right of the enemy's left. 

At noon of the 3rd, owing to the opinion of the several 
corps commanders that further assaults would prove 
futile, General Grant issued an order to the effect that 
there should be a suspension of assaults until further 
notice. Then followed many days of digging, applied 
to parallels and approaches and the making of reconnois- 
ances, thus keeping the enemy in a state of apprehension, 
lest he should detach a portion of his forces to assist in the 
effort to head off General Hunter in the Shenandoah 
Valley. General Warren's account of the period gives very 
little of interest save that on the 4th, owing to the with- 
drawal of the enemy from the front of the Ninth Corps, 
the latter was moved around the Fifth to the space be- 
tween the Fifth and the Eighteenth Corps. On the 5th 
Warren made a reconnoisance on Shady Grove road, and 
in the night withdrew to the rear, and was on the road 
all night. The 6th he devoted to "putting things in order" ; 
the 7th, he sent Griffin's and Cutler's divisions to picket 
the Chickahominy, and held Ayers and Crawford to sup- 
port Burnside; 8th, 9th and 10th, remained in camp; 11th, 
with all his corps, except Griffin and Cutler, to Moody's, 
south of railroad, preparatory to further movement; 12th, 



June 3, '64 Cold Harbor 213 

Generals Grant and Meade reached his headquarters at 
5.30 p. m. Corps started at 6 p. m. Reached vicinity of 
Long Bridge before midnight. 

The notes made at the time by men of the Thirty-ninth 
consist largely of statements of moving to the right or 
left and of coming back to positions formerly occupied; 
of picketing and of sundry incidents, some of which are 
appended, though, in the fighting for which the period 
has such a bloody record, the Thirty-ninth bore a very 
small part, yet it played its assigned role well, at no time 
failing to do with alacrity whatever duty came in its way. 
While not actively engaged in the assault of the 3rd, as 
stated above, the men were all on the alert and anxiously 
expectant. On the 2d General Lockwood, who had com- 
manded the reorganized Second Division a few days, was 
relieved and ordered to Baltimore, there to await further 
orders. His methods were not to the liking of General 
Warren. The general trend of the army was towards 
the left, and in two installments the Corps marched on 
the 5th several miles, fetching up at midnight at Cold 
Harbor, near the fighting points of the 1st and 3rd days 
of the month, camping in the rear of the Second Corps. 
Here follow three days of relative peace and quiet, in 
which rations are drawn, cooked and consumed with relish 
and dispatch. "The quietest time since the 3rd of May" 
is the record of one observer, and another sa)^s, "It seems 
nice to be free from firing all the while, though the bugles 
keep us in touch with camp life." Baggage wagons get 
up on the 6th and officers, after picking out their valises 
are able to enjoy a change of linen and, on this day, is 
promulgated the order that our old brigade relations are 
changed and the whole organization is transferred to the 
Second Brigade of the Third Division, the latter being 
under the command of General S. W. Crawford while 
Colonel Lyle remains at the head of the Brigade. The 
day also marks a slicking up time, the camp being policed 
and the quartermaster deals out much needed wearing 



214 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

apparel. Our camp is not far from the headquarters of 
General Warren. Our change to the Third Division also 
changes the hue of our corps badge, the maltese cross, from 
white to blue. 

On the 7th, B. H. Dow, the only man wounded at Mine 
Run, returns to his "C" Company. That an unusual 
degree of quiet prevailed in these days appears when, on 
the 9th, the wagons brought up a desk for the adjutant, 
the bands begin to play again, drilling is resumed and the 
Second Brigade has a dress parade, but the event of all 
which pleased the Thirty-ninth most was the return of 
Lieutenant Colonel Peirson, who had been absent after 
his wounding at Laurel Hill. One of the boys thus entered 
the incident in his diary: "We cheered him heartily; a 
brave man commands the respect of all; his patriotism 
cannot be questioned, when he has the privilege of a fur- 
lough of thirty days, but instead of taking it comes back 
to his Regiment. " 

In Charles E. Davis's history of the Thirteenth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry, we may read an excellent statement 
of the soldiers' feelings toward General Grant : — 

"No matter what happened, we moved forward. No back- 
ward steps were taken — an experience to which the Army of 
the Potomac, hitherto, had been unused. The consequence was 
that the "Old Man," as General Grant was called, was always 
greeted with genuine enthusiasm, though he didn't seem to care 
very much for it. In his old blouse and hat he appeared like the 
rest of us, — ragged and dirty. Once when we passed him, he sat 
on a platform car, gnawing away on an old ham bone. As the 
boys cheered him, he gave the bone a flourish for a second, and 
then went on gnawing it as though we were miles away. It was 
wonderful how thoroughly this retiring, undemonstrative man 
had gained the confidence of the army. In spite of the hard 
work we had been having, the men were in good spirits, pleased 
that at last we were accomplishing something. 

The 7th marks the departure from the corps of the 
Eighty-third New York, Ninth Militia of the Second 
Brigade, its terms of enlistment having expired, and it is to 



June 7, '64 Towards the James River 215 

offset the going home of regiments, through reaching 
their end of service, that great numbers of recruits are 
coming in constantly. In the case of the Eighty-third, 
so severe has been its losses, it takes away only one hun- 
dred and fifty men. The ninth day gives the men a new 
exhibition, that of a correspondent of the Philadelphia 
Inquirer being escorted through the army by a Provost 
Marshal's guard, bearing on his back, a board labelled, 
"Libeller of the Press," on account of certain libellous 
letters he had written to his paper. However sad the man 
may have been, through his punishment, his plight affords 
the observers a deal of amusement. During these days mails 
arrive and depart and, after the complete rest of a few days, 
to the survivors of the May experience, life really seems 
to be worth living. With the 11th is associated the memory 
of reveille at four o'clock, breakfast at six, and then a march 
which takes us across the York and Richmond Railroad 
at about 11 a. m. and a mile or so south of it we halt for 
dinner. The march ends near Bottom's Bridge on the 
Chickahominy River, camps being pitched on the very 
ground occupied by McClellan's troops two years before. 
The 12 th is Sunday and so long has been the interval since 
religious services were held, some men are glad of the 
chance to hear a Christian Commission man preach; and 
the Thirty-ninth is inspected by Colonel Lyle, brigade 
commander. At 7 p. m. the line of march is once more 
taken up and we proceed some miles towards the east, 
halting at eleven o'clock for a rest and supper. 

TOWARDS THE JAMES RIVER 

The veteran soldiers who are participating in this south- 
ward movement, though they may not know the details that 
are in the minds of Grant and Meade, are well aware that 
the grand purpose announced in the Wilderness is still 
being developed and, that the "summer-long line" is that 
which they are following. The Lieutenant General, hav- 



216 Thirty-ninth Mx\ssachusetts Regiment 

ing found the way too effectually blocked via Cold Harbor 
as early as the 5th of June, when Warren's men were with- 
drawn and sent towards the left of the Union line, had 
determined to change his base of operations and, after 
crossing the James, to lay siege to Petersburg, and thus 
to capture the Capital of the Confederacy. The pause 
of the Fifth Corps for several days had given the men the 
necessary rest and recuperation for the lead they were 
to take in the new flank movement and now, just before 
midnight of the 12th of June, they are awaiting the com- 
pletion of a pontoon bridge over which they may pass to 
the south side and so hold the way open for the other troops 
to follow. General Warren refers to the locality as Long 
Bridge, but the map which accompanies Humphrey's 
"Campaign of '64 and '65" has it as "Long's Bridge," 
but in either case, whether called for its length or some 
family resident near, the structure had disappeared through 
the ravages of war, and a temporary bridge becomes a 
necessity. 

The Journal of the Fifth Corps Commander for this 
13th of June has the following entry: — 

"Our cavalry dro\'e back the enemy's to New Market Cross 
Roads. Crawford's (Third) Division went to White Oak Swamp 
bridge to cover passage of trains and Second Corps. At 8 a. m. 
began to withdraw, bothered by Mcintosh's (union) cavalry brig- 
ade, and only got as far as St. Mary's Church, though traveling 
nearly all night. Enemy did not follow." 

Lieut. John H. Dusseault says: — 

"On June 13, we resumed our march at 1 a. m., and cros.sed the 
Chickahominy near Long Bridge, on pontoons, just before day- 
light. There was some slight skirmishing. At 6 a. m., we 
marched for two hours, covering about two miles only, and formed 
in line of battle. We were now in White Oak Swamp, between 
the James River and the Chickahominy, and the skirmishing 
was lively. We were marching on a straight road and we 
could see a fort nearly a mile in front of us. They opened upon 
us from the fort, and the first shell struck the road before it 
reached our column. The men opened to the right and left, and 



June 13, '64 Towards the James River 217 

the shell ricocheted down between them. We then left the 
road and went into the fields and woods. If I remember correctly 
we went to the left of the road. Our Brigade advanced some ways 
in the direction of Richmond, which was perhaps seven or eight 
miles away, the balance of the division remaining in the rear as a 
support. We did some light skirmishing during the afternoon, 
and the enemy charged some dismounted cavalry, who were 
located upon our right, and drove them back some distance. 
Shortly after dark, somewhere between 8 and 9 p. m., all of the 
ofhcers of the brigade were ordered up to Colonel Lyle's (the 
Brigade's) headquarters. The Colonel told us of the position 
which we were in, stating that we were nearly surrounded, and 
that an attempt would be made at about midnight to get out. 
He also told us to tell our men of our position, also that no orders 
above a whisper should be given, and, that if we heard so much as 
a tin dipper jingling upon a man's haversack, to cut it olT. We 
were told to get what rest we could between then and midnight. 
At about midnight the line fell in, seemingly without orders, 
faced to the left, and marched through a field where some tall 
grain was growing, and the men, knowing our position and being 
anxious to get out, kept increasing their pace and rattling the 
grain, so that it was necessary to halt them and to start them 
again from time to time until we had cleared the grain field. The 
night was very dark and the darkness favored our escape. We 
started again at Charles City Court House, not far from the 
James. At this time the Second Corps was crossing the James. 
We then found that while we were making this demonstration 
toward the enemy and occupying their attention. Grant had been 
moving the chief part of the army across the peninsular, toward 
the James River, and Petersburg. In fact, when we arrived, the 
Ninth Corps had crossed and the Second Corps was crossing the 
James. We crossed the James on the 16th, on the transport 
General Howard and were landed upon the Petersburg side at 
9. a. m. I was told by another ofiicer that it was understood that 
it was necessary that some small portion of the army should make 
this demonstration and occupy the attention of the enemy while 
the chief part of it should be crossing to the Petersburg side of 
the James and it was thought to be our turn to take the risk which 
attended it. General Warren is said to ha\e remarked that he 
ne\er expected to see us again." 

After dark, we were withdrawn and started on a march 
which involved the taking of a wrong road and the conse- 
quent loss of valuable time, passing St. Mary's Church 



218 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

and; just before daybreak of the 14th halted on the road to 
Charles City Court House. Starting again at six, by ten 
o'clock we were near the place named for that unfortunate 
British King who lost both crown and head, the place 
showing plainly the effect of McClellan's presence two 
years before. Were it not for the Court House itself, a 
one-storied edifice with a porch, and a blacksmith shop 
the place would be scarcely more than a name, but some 
one remarks, "We must be getting somewhere for I can 
hear the steamers whistle on the James River." Had we 
been supplied with rations our pleasure at the prospect 
and the rest would have been greater, but our haversacks 
were quite empty. However, we could go to sleep, which 
we proceeded to do at the early hour of eight o'clock. 

The 15th was not eventful save as it brought the long 
expected wagon train and rations galore. There was a 
complete filling of all receptacles with the necessities of 
army life, and after stuffing ourselves with hardtack and 
the other good things that those wagons carried we were 
in a mood to enjoy ourselves, though we couldn't help 
wishing that the mail would come, bringing news from 
the far-away homes in the North. With a sort of forewarn- 
ing that exactions would be made upon our vigor and 
strength on the morrow, again we turned in early. Sure 
enough we were turned out at two o'clock in the morning 
of the 16th for a march of three miles to Wilcox's Wharf 
on the banks of the James and the sight of the glorious 
river and the banks, in many cases, crowned with the 
mansions of aristocratic Virginians. The entire country, 
robed in the brightest of green, was one to make an indeli- 
ble impression on the memory. The Thirty-ninth crossed 
the river on the transports, "General Howard," "George 
Weems" and possibly others, and by 9 a. m. we were all 
on the southern side. Here we found the Seventh Massa- 
chusetts, an Old Colony regiment, just taking boat for 
home. A splendid fighting body of men, they had earned 
the long rest that was coming to them. The pause, when 



June 16, '64 Petersburg 219 

over the river, afforded an opportunity for a plunge into 
the waters of the classic James, a chance that thousands 
of the men embraced, the yery first one since crossing 
the Rapidan, and many declared that in all their army 
experience they had found no place equal to it, certainly 
none that they enjoyed more. 

Concerning this movement to the south of the James, a 
dispatch was sent from army headquarters to Washington 
as follows : — 

"Our forces withdrew from within fifty yards of the enemy's 
entrenchments at Cold Harbor, made a flank movement of about 
fifty-five miles march, crossing the Chickahominy and James 
Rivers, the latter two thousand feet wide and eighty-four feet 
deep at the point of crossing, and surprised the enemy's rear at 
Petersburg." 

PETERSBURG 

The long-continued battle of Petersburg had already 
begun before we were in battle line. General Butler, on 
the other side of the Appomattox, on this Thursday 
morning through General Terry, had assaulted Port 
Walthall with the intention of interrupting the coming of 
rebel re-inforcements on the Richmond & Petersburg 
Railroad and, the night before, troops of the Eighteenth 
Corps, which had been with us at Cold Harbor, had 
attacked south of the river, and had there been a support- 
ing force at hand, the second as well as the first line of 
works might have been carried. As troops of the Second 
Corps came up they were sent against the works and, 
during the night and the following day, the 16th, the con- 
test continued along the line composed of the Eighteenth 
Corps on the right, the Second in the centre and the 
Ninth on the left. All this while we of the Fifth Corps 
were sporting in the waters of the James. Meanwhile 
other portions of the Fifth Corps had gone forward, and 
at four o'clock In the afternoon the Thirty-ninth with its 
neighbors started on the road to Petersburg. After cover- 
ing some ten miles of the way, we halted at 10.30 p. m. for 



220 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

food and rest, the route having been over hills and through 
swamps, difficult at the best, all the more so at night. 

It was early in the morning of the I7th when the march 
was resumed, and at 9 a. m. we halted in the rear of breast- 
works, our entire route having been enlivened by the 
sound of firing, more or less vigorous, indicating a resump- 
tion of the days at Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. More- 
over, Massachusetts men do not forget that it is the 17th 
of June, and noise they had grown to think a regular 
accompaniment of that illustrious date. We are at the 
Union left and massed in the rear of the Ninth Corps, under 
Burnside, and the duty of our Corps is to act as a support 
of the Ninth if needed. We are about two miles from 
Petersburg and from many points the city is plainly seen. 
The cupola of Dinwiddie County Court House will be a 
target for Union artillery during many coming months. 
Lying in the breastworks through the day and night, we 
were exposed to the missiles of the enemy; Lieut Wyman of 
"H" and Captain Willard Kinsley of "K" as well as 
others were wounded. Unless he could sleep in the direst 
confusion there was no closing of the eyelids during this 
first night in front of Petersburg. In this memorable 
siege, the 18th of June is a notable date, for then there was 
concerted action along the entire line, though not in such 
uniform time and order as General Meade desired. It was 
a bloody day in which a vigorous effort was made to force 
the rebel lines before the arrival of help from the North- 
ward. This might have been done earlier in the day, but, 
before the advance could be made, re-inforcements had 
arrived to nearly, if not quite, equal the number of the 
Union soldiers, and General Meade's orders were to hold 
what had been gained and to fortify immediately. The 
casualties of the four days, 15th-18th, footed up nearly two 
thousand killed and more than eight thousand wounded, 
the charges of this 18th day ending assaults on intrenched 
positions. The work of the Fifth Corps is thus described 
by a war correspondent: 



June 18, '64 Petersburg 221 

"On the left of the Ninth was the Fifth Corps, in the following 
order of divisions: from right to left — Crawford (3), Grififin (1), 
Cutler (4), Ayers (2). At early morning the advance was made 
and the enemy's withdrawal discovered. The Corps then pre- 
pared for a new advance, meanwhile keeping up a fierce fire of 
infantry and artillery. At noon, simultaneously wdth the attack 
of the Second Corps, a determined and vigorous advance was 
made. The ground to be crossed was generally open and culti- 
vated, slightly rolling, and here and there artificially prepared 
with abatis, as well as naturally defended by undergrowth. The 
advance was against the south side of the Norfolk Railroad, and 
was partially, but not fully successful. In the evening again, at 
the time of Mott's attack in the centre (when the First Maine 
Heavy Artillery w^as so badly cut up) Griffin's and Cutler's 
divisions once more assaulted with great vigor. But here as 
before the labor was lost. The enemy foiled all our desperate 
endeavors." 

The advance of the First Brigade, Third Division, is 
made at daybreak and we find the enemy missing. We 
are passing over surface which was fighting ground yester- 
day and last night; encountering the dead in both blue 
and gray, a most gruesome sight, at the same time driving 
back the rebel skirmishers until we come in sight of the 
Confederate earthworks, when we halt and throw up 
works for our own protection. Even danger and death 
can not wipe out human or, at least, boyish nature. Near 
the brief halting place are mulberry trees, fairly black with 
luscious, well ripened fruit, and not even rebel riflemen 
can keep Yankee berry-pickers out of those tempting 
branches. We soon advance, however, across a field and 
towards a railroad-cut some distance ahead of us, and to 
reach it we have to run the risk of the foe's rifles and 
cannon, snugly entrenched beyond the cut. W'e make a 
rush for this cut and the tumbles that some of the men take 
in entering it are funny even in battle's din. Colonel 
Davis's well known avoirdupoise gained such momentum 
in the rapid rush that halting on the brink was quite 
impossible, and he rolled rapidly down the declivity. 
There is skirmishing all day and an artillery duel in the 



222 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

afternoon. Just at dark, a rapid movement is made 
across a ravine and orders are quietly passed that when 
the Colonel's hat is raised on the point of his sword, we are 
to rush forward to the edge of a bank, so near and yet so 
far below the rebel works that they cannot depress their 
cannon sufficiently to hit us. Officers are summoned later 
to brigade headquarters where they are informed that 
there will be a night attack, but, for some reason, changes 
come in the programme and in a new position we again 
throw up breastworks. In an exposed condition, we lie in 
them through the night and are saluted in the morning of 
Sunday, the 19th, by the enemy's lire at closer range. 

The 19th falls on Sunday, though the particular day of 
the week gives these soldiers very little concern, since 
each successive twenty-four-hours is only one day more of 
"smoke and roar and powder-stench" and of this particu- 
lar interval. General Warren has only the words, "Re- 
mained in position. Loss about three hundred." If 
remaining in position brought such a record as this, what 
would it have been had there been another effort to advance? 
The night before had seen very vigorous work in the 
trenches and men tried to strengthen them against possible 
attack, and so close were the workman to each other and 
so emphatic their strokes, George A. Farrar of "E" was 
wounded in the knee by a pickaxe and was obliged to go 
to the hospital. Nothing in the world finds more ready and 
willing workers than the throwing up of breastworks that 
may be used for defense and, under the spur of hostile 
missiles, the laziest become most industrious. At such 
times there are no suggestions that the other fellow ought 
to do it, but everyone is doing something, if it is no more 
than loosening earth with a bayonet or case-knife and 
throwing up the results with a cup or tin-plate, hoping 
thus to stop a vagrant bullet. Continuous rattle of mus- 
ketry recalls the noise of the Wilderness and, with the 
evident skill of the sharpshooters, it behooves everyone to 
lie low. Writes one poor fellow, somewhat discouraged, 



June 19, '64 Petersburg 223 

"When shall we get through this terrible campaign?" 
Another says, "The Thirty-ninth is about five hundred 
yards (others put the distance as low as eighty yards) from 
the Confederate works and our skirmishers are on a hillside, 
across a ravine. At nightfall, we begin on the works 
again." This, doubtless, is the point referred to by Cap- 
tain Porter, years afterward, when at a reunion of the 
Regiment, he said, "our skirmishers were among the first 
to establish the line at what was afterward the Crater, 
blown up on the 30th of July, 1864, and that line was 
pushed nearest to the rebel line, not excepting that of 
Fort Stedman and Fort McGilvery, by twenty yards." 

Of the 20th, an officer records," We worked till two o'clock 
last night, and turned out at four this morning. The rebel 
sharpshooters are on the lookout for a man careless enough 
to show himself. I am twenty-four years old to-day." 
Another scribe in the same company enters these words, 
"Wish I were at home to-day for it is our boy's birthday," 
so closely does the absent soldier keep in heart and mind 
to the loved ones at the hearthstone. While there is a 
trend towards the west, General Griffin's Division (First) 
reaching the Jerusalem plank-road and the Second Corps 
crossing it, our portion of the Fifth Corps, except as a 
part of the Brigade moves off to the left to help fill the gap 
made by the withdrawal of Griffin, remains as before. 
The 21st varies little from yesterday, men keeping pretty 
closely to their places, the least exposure bringing atten- 
tion from the enemy, and men are wounded in spite of all 
care to the contrary. One of Burnside's colored regiments 
is digging a traverse out to the picket line. Extreme 
vigilance continues into the night, through fear of an as- 
sault by the enemy, and at about 9 p. m., the most of the 
Regiment goes on picket. Picket duty on the 22d requires 
vigilance, "Yank" and "Reb" exchange compliments 
whenever opportunity offers and Jonas P. Barden, Com- 
pany A, is killed. Quite late in the evening, the Regiment 
is relieved and retires to its former location, the same 



224 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

being not remote from the spot which in a few weeks 
would be known as the "Crater," and somewhat further 
to the Union left, opposite prominencies will be called 
Forts Sedgwick and Mahone, or in army parlance, Forts 
"Hell and Damnation. " It is on this day that the Second 
Corps suffers one of the severest set backs in its entire 
history, the enemy succeeding in getting at its left flank, 
in a manner unprecedented, and in carrying off four 
cannon and more than two thousand prisoners. 

Everyone is learning caution, but there are mortalities 
still, as with S. B. Harris of "H" who is hit in the head 
and killed on the 23rd. It is fair to suppose that Union 
sharpshooters are just as vigilant as their opponents, and 
that Death visits, with no show of partiality, both blue 
and gray. As the stay in these advanced trenches has not 
savored at all of rest, any change seems desirable, hence 
orders to move early in the morning of the 24th are heard 
with pleasure and, before daylight, we are off to the left 
to take the places of Second Corps men who had gone 
still further to the left, while the Ninth Corps moves into 
our vacated places. One very careful observer states 
that we lost our way and had to back and fill, at it were, 
at one time coming near running into the enemy, who 
kept up an almost constant shelling during the change. 
There seems to be less activity among the sharpshooters, 
for which the soldiers are duly grateful. To-day the, 
original members of the Twelfth Massachusetts, the 
Fletcher Webster Regiment, long in the Second Brigade 
of our Division, draw out of line and start for home. The 
recruits, re-enlisted and drafted men of the Twelfth are 
to become a part of the Thirty-ninth. The coming into 
our ranks of one hundred and twenty-five men from the 
returning Twelfth, is the crowning incident of the 25th. 
One hundred and six more men are nominally transferred, 
but they are absent on sick leave, in rebel prisons or else- 
where, and those received to-day, represent about all the 
real additions to come from our friends who, after three 



June 24, '64 Petersburg 225 

years of arduous labor, are homeward bound. The new 
position of the Regiment is across the Petersburg & Nor- 
folk Railroad and the depleted condition of the 39th, 
following the campaign, is evident from the fact that eigh- 
teen of the men from the Twelfth Regiment, added to those 
left in Company C of the Thirty-ninth, called for just 
forty three rations in the entire company. 

It was not lack of excitement which prompted a certain 
Company A man to a prank which afforded him and his 
comrades a deal of pleasure, rather was it a desire for some- 
thing out of the ordinary that, in the midst of this, the 
severest campaign in the progress of the war, suggested 
to him a variation. Taking pencil and paper, he wrote, 
"I should be happ}^ to correspond with any young lady so 
disposed; address G. W. Cheney, Company A, 39th 
Regt., M. V. M., Second Brigade, Third Division, Fifth 
Army Corps, Army of the Potomac." Thinking the idea 
too good to be kept secret, he read it to the boys around 
the campfire who were delighted with the plan and he 
had to write another, couched thus, " I would be pleased to 
correspond with young ladies, 18 to 22, with view to 
matrimony." Both of the ads were sent to the Boston 
Herald and the writer thinks they were the first of the 
kind ever inserted there. Two weeks later, or after the 
ads had had time to circulate, the mail brought one hun- 
dred and six answers, representing every state then in 
the Union; long letters, short and pithy ones, some per- 
fumed and embossed ; no end of good advice, love, kisses, 
merry, sporting fun and blessings; it was understood that 
the Colonel's good wife was quite horrified at seeing the 
ad and there must have been some uxorious advice to 
Colonel Davis since, though the next mail had over two 
hundred letters for the advertisers, they were all destroyed 
on the pretext that there were no such persons in the 
Regiment as those addressed. This however did not pre- 
vent the enterprising young men doing extensive corre- 
sponding over their own names. 



226 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

The 26th is a quiet day; the 27th has its alarms with 
prompt response but no attack. Long desired rain fell 
along towards night, but not enough to satisfy the over- 
heated men and the thirsty earth; so near are pickets of 
the opposing armies, they could readily converse without 
raising their voices, but they have not, as yet, reached 
that degree of familiarity. The 28th, Tuesday, marks a 
change in the situation in that we move to the front and 
right and proceed to throw up a line of earthworks, stronger 
than those already in use with the expectation of thereby 
affording shelter for suddenly attacked pickets and to 
better resist any assault of the enemy. The month of June 
ends with the Corps stretched along the Petersburg line, 
with the Ninth and Eighteenth at the right and the Second 
and the Sixth at its left. By seeming common consent, 
pickets cease firing, though the heavy guns thunder away; 
evidently both Johnnie and Yankee would like a rest; 
after extremely hard work, the regimental rolls are got 
into shape for muster which is had on the 30th; another 
sign of semi-permanency is the coming up of some of the 
sutlers who are anxious to resume operations, especially 
in view of the possible coming of the paymaster. It is 
in these days that the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, 
Second Corps, which received so severe a handling at 
Harris's Farm, May 19th, yet most manfully held its 
place, is once more encountered and the ravages of war 
were never more apparent than in the fact that only three 
hundred are reported present for duty out of eighteen 
hundred men who left the defenses in the month of May. 

The first third of July, as far as the Thirty-ninth is 
concerned, is quite uneventful. The comparative quiet 
that the men are experiencing has become a necessity. 
The persistent bending of the bow, beginning at the 
Wilderness, is bringing expected results. The fire of con- 
scious strength, so evident in the earlier encounters of 
the campaign, is nearly burned out and recent trials of 
courage and endurance have shown and, future struggles 



July, '64 Petersburg 227 

will exhibit, a lacking of that enthusiasm which charac- 
terized the early days of May. Human bodies cannot 
endure everything, their limitations are sooner or later 
determined and such is the case with these survivors of 
the terrible exactions so continuously made. General 
F. A. Walker says, "Men died of flesh wounds which, at 
another time, would merely have afforded a welcome 
excuse for a thirty days' sickness leave. The limit of human 
endurance had been reached." General Grant, in his 
Memoirs, writes of the situation after the assault on the 
18th of June, "I now ordered the troops to be put under 
cover, and allowed some of the rest which they had so 
long needed." It is a protraction of this rest that our 
men are getting in earlier July. From the 1st to the 10th 
of the month, the diary of General Warren has no entry 
of greater importance than reference to the building of 
a redoubt or the development of some plan on paper and, 
though constant vigilance is evident, there are none of 
the exposure and tests characteristic of the Wilderness 
and Spottsylvania. 

To supplement the somewhat stilted rations furnished 
by the commissary department, the sanitary commission 
is sending in a variety of vegetables, fresh and dried, as 
well as fruits that are most gratefully received by the men 
and they are working a great improvement in general 
health. In our Regiment, appearances begin to resemble 
those of winter quarters since roll calls, three times a day, 
are in order, falling-in with guns and equipments. Ground 
is cleared for inspection and those formal ordeals are had 
as of old, and guns have to be cleaned up accordingly; 
prayer-meetings also are resumed. The 4th, usually so 
noisy at home, is just the reverse in our particular locality, 
though away off to the right, Butler and Smith fire salutes. 
In the Fifth Corps, the impression apparently is that we 
have had noise enough of late. In the evening, the pickets 
on both sides celebrate a bit with cheers, perhaps in be- 
half of ancestors who, both North and South, fought for 



228 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

a common cause. The weather continues very hot and 
mutual forbearance permits the men to stretch their tents 
as awnings back of the earthworks into which they are 
ready to tumble instantly, should occasion arise. Heavy 
details are made of men for labor on a new fort in process 
of erection to the southwest of our position, to be called, 
at first, Fort Warren, but later to take the name of our 
Colonel who, all unconscious of the fact, is rapidly 
approaching the day of his departure. On the 7th of July 
the Third Division of the Sixth Corps is detached and, 
by way of the James and Chesapeake Bay, is sent to Bal- 
timore to head off near Frederick, Maryland, the move- 
ment of General Early and his men on Washington. This 
Confederate officer had been ordered to leave the vicinity 
of Cold Harbor on the 13th of June, and to proceed towards 
the Shenandoah Valley for the purpose of making trouble 
for General David Hunter, who had been operating in 
that section, Lee evidently thinking that his lessened 
battle front could afford the withdrawal. A considerable 
battle followed on the 9th, at Monocacy Junction, where 
Lew Wallace with a force made up of local militia and 
certain Ohio one hundred days' men and the Third Division 
of the Sixth Corps, was able to hold the Confederates 
long enough to permit the arrival in Washington of the 
remaining two divisions of the Sixth, the same leaving 
City Point the night of the 9th, and to successfully repel 
the rebel assault upon Fort Stevenson the 12th. Consid- 
erable effort was necessary to persuade General Grant 
that any portion of the Confederate army was missing 
from his front, luckily he was convinced in time to send 
a sufficient force to Washington to destroy all of Early's 
expectations. 

The comparative calm of the first third of July was 
rudely broken on the 11th. The day had begun much 
as usual and, from five o'clock in the morning till five-thirty 
in the afternoon, there was the regular round of camp and 
other duties when, for some unexplained reason, the 



July 11, '64 Petersburg 229 

enemy began a fierce fire of artillery on our rations-train. 
As hitherto, nearly all of the shells exploded way back of 
our lines but one, and a man states distinctly in his diary, 
"the only one," struck close beside Colonel Davis and, 
exploding, wounded him so severely that he died very 
soon afterward, 7 p. m. Private Mentzer of "A," long 
years later, recalls the sad happening thus: "Streets, 
tents, stockades, properly aligned; camps, graded and 
drained; constant discipline, inspections, dress parades, 
deportment, all better than those of any other regiment I 
ever saw, tell me that Colonel Davis did his work thor- 
oughly and well. He sat on a rustic seat or bench, talking 
with a friend (Asst. Surgeon of the Thirteenth), none other 
near, save a detail of pickets, of whom I was one, just re- 
ported at headquarters, when a shell burst and tore his 
body dreadfully, still he was the commander to the end. 
Lieut. J. H. Dusseault, "H," describes the sad event thus: 

"The first shot fired, which we were wont to call the five o'clock 
express, hit a tree about fifty feet in front of our lines, cutting 
it oft' some forty feet from the ground; the rebels were really 
shelling our baggage train, some distance in the rear. Hitting 
the tree deflected the shell so that it passed downward through 
the canopy of leaves, arranged for shade above the officers' 
quarters, and burst under the Colonel, who was sitting cross- 
legged on a rustic seat with Assistant Surgeon L. W. Hixon of 
the Thirteenth Massachusetts. Both men were thrown down 
and the lower part of Colonel Davis' body seemed completely 
torn to pieces. My own quarters being not more than ten feet 
away, I was able to see the missile as it passed downward, after 
striking the tree. I helped pull the Colonel into his pit. His 
mind was clear and I heard him converse with Lieut. Colonel 
Peirson to the purport that he would be colonel now. To this 
Colonel Peirson replied, 'Oh no! You are going to get out of 
this.' The wounded officer, however, insisted that it was all 
over with him and he gave certain directions to the Lieut. Colonel 
saying that he would like to have him recommend Capt. F. R. 
Kinsley to be Lieut. Colonel and, his passion for details being 
strong even in death, he named a member of the drum-corps, 
who had overstayed his leave of absence and wanted him at- 
tended to when he returned. He requested also that a letter he 



230 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

had just written to his wife should be mailed and that the cir- 
cumstances of his death should be added. Dr. Hixon, proclaim- 
ing himself also wounded, said he was unable to attend to the 
dying officer and it is possible that the surgeon of the First Massa- 
chusetts Heavy Artillery was called in to help dress the wound. 
After this he was placed on a stretcher and William S. Sumner of 
"H" was one of the men who carried him to the rear. As the 
enemy was shelling the road, they felt obliged to carry him through 
the woods and the way being very rough, the officer suffering 
terribly said to the bearers, 'Men, I wish you would take the road, 
I hate to ask you to do so, but this is terrible.' He died about 
the time the hospital was reached. A veteran of the Thirteenth 
Regiment claims to have a piece of the shell which killed Colonel 
Davis." 

At this very time Colonel Davis was president of a court 
martial at the headquarters of the Third Division and had 
been there earlier in the day but, as the business in hand 
was not in proper shape, the court did not convene and its 
president returned to his Regiment, Had it been in prog- 
ress, the chances are that our colonel would not have 
passed out of life as he did. John S. Beck, "C," detailed 
as a clerk at the court martial, writes thus: "I did not 

think it was the last time I should ever see him I felt 

very badly about it, for he seemed like a father to me. 
The boys felt blue enough. I think it will be hard to fill 
his place. I turned in feeling very sad and downcast."* 

As with Tennyson's Brook, "Men may come and men 
may go," but the war "goes on." The gallant officer, into 
whose care the dying colonel committed the Regiment, was 
fully equal to the task. A member of the famous Fourth 
Batallion, which served its period of volunteer duty in 
Fort Warren at the breaking out of the war entirely with- 
out compensation, he had been one of the first to volunteer 
in the Twentieth Massachusetts where he was first lieuten- 
ant and adjutant and, captured at Ball's Bluff, had ex- 



*It is claimed that the body of Colonel Davis was carried from the field by 
Corp. S. H. Mitchell, "A"; Corp. B. F. Prescott and VV. S. Sumner, both of 
"H"; and Sergt. L. A. Spooner of Company I. 



July 11, '64 Petersburg 231 

perienced Richmond inhospltality. Then as a staff officer, 
he had seen the fierce Peninsula campaign along with 
Generals Dana and Sedgwick. An early selection of Gover- 
nor Andrew, he was made second to Colonel Davis in the 
raising of the Thirty-ninth and we have grown pretty well 
acquainted with him during the preceding months. As 
close to the enemy at Laurel Hill as he well could be, he 
was severely wounded and he now takes his promotion 
with the good will and thorough loyalty of every officer 
and man under his command. Major Henry M. Tremlett 
who was still absent on detached service in Boston becomes 
lieutenant colonel, and Captain F. R. Kinsley of the 
Somerville Company, "E," succeeds Tremlett as major. 
Were this history that of the entire war or even that of 
the Army of the Potomac, the story of the remaining days 
of July would occupy very little space, for the siege of 
Petersburg, actually beginning on the 15th of June, is to 
continue until the 2nd of April, '65, and may be charac- 
terized as an unbroken engagement of almost ten months' 
duration with occasional extra emphasis laid on this or 
that point along the battle line, many miles in extent. 
Away at the right is the Eighteenth Corps, holding the 
space from the Appomattox to the Ninth Corps which 
stretches out till its left joins the right of the Fifth, which 
in turn touches the right of the Second; this corps since 
the withdrawal of the Sixth for service in Maryland, in 
Washington and later in the valley of the Shenandoah, has 
become the extreme Union left, with its line refused 
towards the south, and west of the Jerusalem plank-road, 
only a fraction of the distance to be covered before the 
winter's stay is ended. Even now the enemy is making 
vigorous effort to defend the several railroads which 
connect Petersburg with the south, feeling certain that 
Grant and Meade will not long delay trying to cut off the 
city from its Weldon Railroad connections and, until that 
time arrives, there will be more digging than charging 
along the rival lines, though the exchange of sulphurous 



232 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

compliments will be so constant that cessation rather than 
continuance will arouse remark. 

General Warren, who has his command well in hand, 
has no conspicuous statement for this period, and even 
some regimental historians pass over the interval with 
only a few and scattering remarks. It will be understood 
that the most diligent picketand camp duties are maintained 
all of the time, and very few if any idle days come to either 
commissioned officer or enlisted man from one week's 
end to another. Never was there a better illustration of 
eternal vigilance than that displayed by both sides in this 
long game of opposites; hence in our progress it will be 
unnecessary to mention more than the passing events, in 
the least out of the ordinary. Colonel Thomas F. McCoy 
of the One hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania succeeds 
Colonel Davis as president of the court martial, while the 
body of the deceased officer, with his faithful steed and 
Chaplain French, starts July 12th on its long journey home- 
ward. Many a member of the Regiment felt, if he did not 
so express himself, as did the writer who put these words 
in his diary, "I can't realize that he has really gone and 
will not be with us at the front again." Early in the morn- 
ing of this day, the Regiment is aroused and at 2.30 a. m. 
moves into the large fort or redoubt, for some time in 
process of erection. Of this. General Warren makes men- 
tion, saying that he spent the day here, planning and 
cutting timber, etc. At daylight of the 13th, everyone 
goes to work with pick or shovel in making defensible the 
new fort. Here we are to remain till the middle of August. 
Named at first for the commander of the Fifth Corps, it 
will soon take the name of our late colonel. Covering 
about three acres of ground, it is capable of holding a 
brigade. Situated a mile or more below Petersburg, it is 
on the Jerusalem plank-road and the next fortification 
south of Sedgwick, the Fort "Hell" of rebel parlance. 
Lieutenant Dusseault says, "In building our fort, we 
dug a trench twenty feet wide and ten feet deep, and threw 



July 13, '64 Petersburg 233 

up the rampart on the inside. TIius there were eighteen or 
twenty feet of banking. The fort was made square with a 
diagonal through it. We had a magazine in it, and two 
wells were dug for a water supply. Besides our Brigade 
there was with us also the Ninth (Bigelow's), Battery, 
which had suffered so severely at Gettysburg." 

The routine of duty, including at least three hours' work 
daily on the fortifications, continues to-day, and all day 
and all night, too, for that matter, since the stronghold 
must be one in fact as well as name, men being so detailed 
as to keep the dirt flying; a writer in the story of the 
Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry says it took eight men 
to get one shovelful of dirt from the bottom of the ditch to 
the top of the work, the men standing in little nitches cut 
in the side of the bank and passing the earth from one to 
another. This day also marks the transferral of recruits 
and re-enlisted men of the Thirteenth Regiment, the time 
of this staunch companion on many a march and hard 
fought field having expired and the original members 
being about to withdraw for their joyful journey home, 
though the actual union of the one hundred remaining men 
of the Thirteenth and the Thirty-ninth does not take place 
till the 14th of July, the only noteworthy event of the day, 
unless mention is made of the withdrawal of the Second 
Corps from its western position and its encampment south 
of the Fifth Corps, thus leaving the Fifth at the extreme 
Union left. On the Fifteenth the camp ground is thor- 
oughly policed and General Warren superintends the laying 
out of a camp for the men and pitching our tents, regular 
living seems probable for a time at least. It is related that, 
reviewing some of the work as already laid out, General 
Warren, who had been Meade's chief engineer, asked who 
had projected certain lines and, when a division com- 
mander was named, he sharply remarked, "Generals 

had better stick to his pills," and seizing a shovel worked 
off some of his indignation by making the dirt fly with his 
major general hands. The Masonic Lodge held its first 



234 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

meeting for many a day and voted to pay for the em- 
balming of Colonel Davis' body, and the expenses incident 
to sending it home, also appointing a committee to look 
after the families of brother Masons killed in the campaign. 

The passion or appetite for drink is well illustrated on 
the 17th in Lieut. Dusseault's effort to properly distribute 
eight canteens (twelve quarts) of whiskey among one 
hundred men, on police duty, the ration being one gill for 
each one but, for fear that the quantity might intoxicate 
them, he descreetly gave out one half a gill per man, thus 
retaining four canteens for a subsequent occasion. When 
he lay down at night he put the canteens under his head, 
but despite his care the canteens were stolen with no clue 
to the thieves, save the maudlin condition in which several 
men were found. There seemed to be no risk that men 
would not take to secure that which was worse than use- 
less for them, an enemy to steal away their brains. Several 
days of continued routine of police, picket, drill and 
other features of camp life follow, but entirely agreeable 
after the exactions of May and June. Thursday, the 
21st, the enemy varied the monotony by making an artil- 
lery demonstration against Fort Sedgwick, possibly lest 
its occupants should forget its nick name, "Hell." The 
cordial relations existing on picket are well illustrated by 
an incident related of the period where a Union soldier, 
crawling out carefully to reach his station, was more than 
surprised to hear in unmistakable Southern speech, the 
words, "Say, you Yank don't belong thar'; that's we uns 
place; you uns place's over thar," a bit of information 
that the Yank did not hesitate to avail himself of. De- 
serters are in constant evidence, all coming in ragged and 
hungry. 

It was at Fort Davis that Corporal Dow of Company C 
got one of his first experiences on horseback. Captain 
Hutchins sent him to Colonel Peirson, one morning, in 
answer to the latter's request for a messenger to City 
Point. On the Colonel's telling Dow that he was to ride 



July 21, *64 Petersburg 235 

a horse to City Point, ten miles away, the poor Corporal 
stood aghast and avowed his utter ignorance of an equine, 
his vocation being that of a ship carpenter, saying, "I 
can tell you all about a boat, Colonel, but I know abso- 
lutely nothing about a horse." "Oh! That's nothing," 
replied the officer, "you can stick on and the horse you 
will ride is like a rocking chair." The animal that Colonel 
Peirson named was an exceedingle easy riding beast but, 
unfortunately, the same had been appropriated by an 
officer and ridden off on a somewhat questionable errand; 
to make a fuss about it would be to give the officer away, 
so Dow submitted to the caprice of the man in charge of 
the stable and went off mounted on the Adjutant's steed, 
notoriously the worst riding brute in the entire equine 
outfit. John Gilpin's condition after his ride to Ware and 
back was nothing compared to that of the Corporal when 
he returned; as he expressed it, if he had ridden a rail the 
entire twenty miles, with sledge hammers pounding the 
ends of the same, he could not have been more jolted and 
galled than he was at the end of his twenty miles. A 
whiskey ration was being distributed when he reached 
camp, and Dow remarked that he needed extensive appli- 
cation, both within and without. "I guess I've killed 
your horse or he has me," he remarked to the Adjutant as, 
walking very wide, he passed that officer. "I hope you 
have," said the officer, "for then I can get a better one." 
The steed really did die from the trip, and when the 
Colonel called for Dow again, luckily for him, the easy 
going beast was ready. 

Lest we should forget that we are in a state of war with 
our Southern brethren, we are favored on the 24th and 
the 25th, late in the afternoon, with certain iron compli- 
ments, the rebels even shelling the picket line, a very 
unusual procedure, one shell entering the fort; as many 
of their missiles fail to explode, we conclude that they 
must be using a very poor grade of powder. The cannon 
opposite to us are manned by the Washington Artillery, 



236 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Rfxjment 

that crack New Orleans organization whose batteries were 
found in all the great Confederate armies, east and west. 
Towards the end of the month, a greater degree of activity 
is apparent; the Second Corps moves out on the 26th 
and then returns the next day; on this same 27th, loads 
of ammunition are bought up and picket relations are less 
amicable than hitherto. We turn in July 29th, with 
orders to turn out at 2.30 the next morning; this we do on 
the 30th and the Fifth Corps moves a half mile or so to 
our right into trenches back of the Ninth, with the Second 
Corps similarly disposed at our right. As yet we do not 
know what a large part of the countr}^ is to learn soon, 
viz., that this 30th of July is to go down the annals of time 
as the day of the "Crater." For weeks, under the direc- 
tion of Colonel Pleasants of the Forty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania, his men have been digging an underground way, 
in front of Burnside's advanced lines, to a point beneath 
Elliott's or Pegrams' Salient, more than live hundred feet 
distant. It was finished on the 23rd and in it were soon 
placed 8,000 lbs. of powder. To divert the attention of 
the enemy, lest he might discover the undermining pro- 
ject, the Second Corps had been sent across the James, to 
assist the troops already there in a demonstration against 
Richmond, but when the mine was ready for exploding 
the corps was hastily called back. Pages have been written 
of the event, of the explosion, of the advance of troops, 
white and black, into the abyss caused by the eruption 
and of their sorry fate beneath the concentrated fire of 
the Confederates, under Mahone and his artillery, and the 
unkind words that for many a year were uttered concern- 
ing Burnside and his part in the well conceived though 
unfortunately consummated project. Many of our Bay 
State regiments are in the Ninth Corps and they perform 
with credit whatever duty falls to their lot. We are not 
called upon for any part in the fight, though we have our 
share of earache at the terrific explosion and the artillery 
firing afterwards. July ends with the Fifth Corps back in 



July 29, '64 Petersburg 237 

the same position as that held before the "Crater" episode, 
one of whose principal features was the practical demon- 
stration that negro troops are much like those of other com- 
plexion and may be depended upon in an emergency. 

Although August, 1864, is written deep in the hearts 
and memories of members of the Thirty-ninth, up to 
and beyond the middle of the month there is little to record 
except the regular round of camp life close to the enemy's 
lines, and the rumors that are ever afloat where many 
are assembled. The sending away of the Sixth Corps 
to the defense of Washington and the inauguration of 
the Shenandoah V^alley campaign under Sheridan, whose 
only instructions, imparted to him by Grant at Monocacy, 
in that meeting of August 6th, are "Go in, " making matters 
in the Petersburg Zone much more quiet than they would 
be otherwise. A southside view of the situation is not 
amiss and the words of T. N. Page, in his life of Lee, are 
appended : — 

"Jefferson Davis has declared that the remainder of the Peters- 
burg campaign is 'too sad to be patientl}^ considered.' Locked 
in his fortifications, with Richmond hung like a millstone about 
his neck, while the South was cut off piecemeal from possibility 
of contributing to his support, Lee, faithful to his trust, and 
obedient to the laws, put aside whatever personal views he might 
have held and continued to handle the situation with supreme 
skill. Before that army had succumbed it had added to Grant's 
casualty list, from the time he crossed the James, another sixty- 
odd thousand men, thus doubling the ghastly record of his losses . . 
Grant seems to be the one firm, clear-headed, practical man in 
all of the muddle of conflicting ambitions and confused orders. 
'This man Grant grows on me,' Mr. Lincoln had said a year or 
two before — 'He fights.' It was the one solution of the problem 
—to fight and keep on, no matter at what cost, till the other side 
should be exhausted. Grant recognized it and acted on it. Hap- 
pily for the Union cause. Grant was the commanding general 
of all of the armies of the Union. Unhappily for the Confederate 
cause, Lee had not been given similar power. As dependent as 
was the South on his genius, the military command was still 
reserved in the hands of the civil authorities. He could not even 
appoint his chief of staff." 



238 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Of the period between the Mine and the month of 
March, 1865, General Humphreys, in his story of the cam- 
paign, remarks on the movements of the Army of the Poto- 
mac and that of the James to the right and the left, result- 
ing in the extension of our line of entrenchment in both 
directions, and causing a corresponding extension of the 
Confederate entrenchments on our left, and their occupa- 
tion in stronger force of their entrenchments on the north 
bank of the James. Very likely these blazing, hot August 
days would have been blazing with gunpowder in the 
furthering of the investment of the Cockade City had 
not the departure of the Sixth Corps compelled the tempo- 
rary suspension of the western project and a continuance of 
the strengthening of the works already built. So far, how- 
ever, as anything akin to comfort beneath the midsummer 
sun, in the exposed earthworks was concerned, nothing 
of the sort was possible. Only when the king of day hid 
his shining face, during the hours of night, could the inten- 
sity of his heat be forgotten. 

Still, time was passing, and every day marked the ap- 
proach of the wind-up, so long and so devoutly prayed 
for. Regimental note takers were observing everything 
out of the ordinary, and Horton of "E" remarks, August 
1st on a visit to the scene of the explosion, July 30, 
saying, "It is opposite the old brick house, where we were 
before coming here" and he also comments on the burial 
of the dead, while a flag of truce is up. Another, writing 
on the 2d, says, "Walked along the front of our Corps, 
everything is under ground, covered ways for teams and 
troops to pass out if the enemy is near, showing a vast 
amount of labor." Thursday, the 4th, was a Fast Day, 
appointed by the President, which was observed in Fort 
Davis by a suspension of fatigue duty and religious ser- 
vices at 6.30 conducted by the chaplains of the Sixteenth 
Maine, the One hundred and Fourth New York and the 
One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania. The day was not 
observed by all organizations, and along the line of the 



Aug. 4, '64 Petersburg 239 

Ninth Corps there was considerable firing. The versatile 
accompHshments of Union soldiers are indicated in that on 
the 5th of August a member of Company H, suffering from 
toothache, sought out an ex-dentist in the One Hundred 
and Seventh Pennsylvania and had his aching molars 
filled ; and the scarcity of proper material is also shown in 
that the substance, used for filling, was just ordinary lead, 
but it did the business. Who would suppose that, through 
all of the ups-and-downs of an exacting campaign the 
instruments, essential to such work would have been, 
carried and what a substitute for a dentist's chair, with 
its varied attachments, must have been the end of a log 
or an empty cracker box! 

Almost every day brings one or more deserters from the 
rebel ranks, men who are convinced that the game is really 
lost and can see no pleasure or profit in the "last ditch" 
idea. They are invariably hungry, ragged and dirty. 
On the 9th, Fred. Glines of "E," a Somerville boy, visits 
the hospital of the Ninth Corps and there meets Professor 
John P. Marshall, a respected instructor in Tufts College, a 
most pleasant meeting for both parties. He also records 
the blowing up of an ordnance boat, lying at the wharf in 
City Point, receiving fixed ammunition. The incident is an 
item in the history of the war, whereby there were a great 
loss of life and destruction of property. All told, the value 
of property destroyed mounted into the millions and the 
number of lives lost was between sixty and seventy; one 
hundred and thirty were wounded; some battles had a 
smaller record. At the time the explosion was ascribed to 
the careless handling of the amunition cases.* 



* November 14, 1911, when visiting the Robert E. Lee Home for Con- 
federate Veterans in Richmond, John Maxwell, an ex-confederate, whose 
later days were passing in this congenial harborage, was introduced and 
requested to tell the Northern visitors how he blew up the Yankees. Noth- 
ing loth, the veteran in gray, holding in his hands the works of an alarm clock, 
told the story of his sneaking into the Union lines and, when opportunity 
offered, placing his infernal machine, with his time-wheel for explosion properly 
set, where it would do the most execution and then hastening away. His 
auditors, so recently from the dedication of a Massachusetts monument on 



240 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

In the night of the lOth-llth there was a little artillery 
play in the direction of Fort Davis, but it proved to be 
harmless. The 12th marks the second anniversary of the 
muster-in of Company E, the first one in the Regiment. 
This day also saw a new movement of the Second Corps 
across the James River, another blow to be struck at Deep 
Bottom, if practicable. Evidently Generals Grant and 
Meade thought the quiet period had lasted long enough, 
besides the Lieutenant General thought that the rebels 
had sent off three of their divisions to reinforce Early in the 
valley. The truth was that only Kershaw's had gone, and 
all the others were right on the spot, ready to receive callers 
or boarders, it was all the same thing, and the expedition 
was not as productive of results as the projectors had 
desired. 

One .scribe, on the 13th, writes, "Got paid off," and 
elsewhere mention is made of the proximity of sutlers who 
are ready to settle old scores and also to sell for cash. 
Rumors of coming activity are current on the 14th and 
the next day, Monday, the Brigade marched out of the fort 
giving place to the First Division of the Ninth Corps, 
negro troops, and going back about two miles, we pitch 
camp and are evidently in reserve for some project. The 
heavens also are active and the long delayed rain comes in 
torrents for two hours in the afternoon. The troops which 
relieved us were the colored division of the Ninth Corps, 
under General Edward Ferrero, and of their appearance 
as we marched out, Beck of Company C remarks, "Who 
of the Thirty-ninth will ever forget the appearance of the 
colored troops sent to relieve us, as they lay about outside, 
half buried in yellow mud and water, as we filed out of the 
fort on that rainy morning? They had been marching 

the edge of the Crater, rccallinij; an even greater explosion, were hardly in 
position to find any great amount of fault with liis act, since "Sauce for the 
goose is also sauce for the gander." "Where were you, Johnnie, when the 
thing went off?" was a natural question from one of the hearers. "Oh, I was 
two miles away, making the best time possible towards the Confederacy." 
(Vid. R. R. Serial Xo. 87. p. 954). 



Aug. 13, '64 Petersburg 241 

all night in the darkness, rain and mud, and were so com- 
pletely exhausted that sleep to them was the one great 
necessity, position and bed being secondary. We carefully 
stepped over their bodies and soon were beyond the sound 
of their snoring." A heavy detail is made on the 16th for 
work on Fort Sedgwick, but day work is impossible there on 
account of the nearness of Fort Mahone, or " Damnation," 
whose sharpshooters are regularly gunning for the "blues." 
The detail had hardly more than begun to work at 10 p. m. 
when the command came to cease from labors and to report 
to the Regiment at once. There the information is im- 
parted that the corps will move at 3 p. m. of the coming 
day. On this next day, the 17th, when in line awaiting 
the expected "Forward" there comes the order to break 
ranks and encamp for the night. Concerning the move- 
ment against the Weldon Railroad, whole volumes have 
been written. It was a part of Grant's effort to cripple the 
resources of the rebel army that was being hemmed in 
gradually by the Union forces. The necessity of the move 
had been recognized from the first and it had been delayed, 
as already stated, principally by the departure of Sheridan 
and the Sixth Corps to the Shenandoah Valley. We have 
noted the activity of Hancock and his Second Corps, north 
of the James, made in the hope that it might cause the 
return of some of the Confederates who had gone to Early's 
relief, thereby enabling Sheridan to strike a heavier blow in 
his present command. 

Incidentally, it seemed that troops had been withdrawn 
from the rebel right to strengthen those fighting Hancock 
and others, at the Confederate left, and Grant saw his 
opportunity to strike again for the Weldon track, and this 
is what he says in his Memoirs: — 

"From our left, near the old line, it was about three miles to 
the Weldon Railroad. A division was ordered from the right of 
the Petersburg line to reinforce Warren, while a division was 
brought back from the north side of the James River to take its 
place. The road was very important to the enemy. The limits 



242 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

from which his supplies had been drawn were already very much 
contracted, and I knew that he must fight desperately to protect 
it. Warren carried the road though with heavy loss on both 
sides. He fortified his new position, and our trenches were then 
extended from the left of our main line to connect with his new 
one. Lee made repeated attempts to dislodge Warren's Corps, 
but without success and with heavy loss. As soon as Warren was 
fortified and reinforcement reached him, troops were sent south 
to destroy the bridges on the Weldon Railroad, and with such 
success that the enemy had to draw in wagons for a distance of 
about thirty miles all the supplies they thereafter got from that 
source. It was on the 21st that Lee seemed to have given up the 
Weldon Railroad as having been lost to him ; but along about the 
24th or 25th he made renewed attempts to recapture it. Again 
he failed, and with very heavy losses to him as compared with 
ours. On the night of the 20th, our troops on the north side of 
the James were withdrawn, and Hancock and Gregg were sent 
south to destroy the Weldon Railroad. They were attacked on 
the 25th, at Reams Station, and after desperate fighting a part of 
our line gave way, losing five pieces of artillery. But the Weldon 
Railroad never went out of our possession from the 18th of August 
to the close of the war." 

The foregoing extract from the memoirs of the Lieutenant 
General has been made as an indication of his opinion of 
the magnitude of the work of August 18th in the progress of 
the war. The Army and Navy Journal of August 27th, 
after noting the extraordinary storm of the 15th, "Which 
swept away many tents and sutler's booths and filled the 
trenches with water" and the fierce cannonading on the 
16th, also that of 1 a. m. of the 18th, lasting for two hours, 
has this to offer concerning the event which figures so 
largely in the annals of our Regiment : — 

"At four o'clock, on the morning of Thursday, the 18th, and 
shortly after the heavy cannonading ceased, the Fifth Corps 
started from its camp(which was rather in reserve) with four days* 
rations, towards the Weldon Railroad. It took some time to get 
across the ground formerly held by the Second and Sixth Corps. 
Then the column marched towards Ream's Station, driving in 
easily the enemy's skirmishers, of whom a part were captured. 
Between seven and eight o'clock, the advance arrived at Six 
Mile Station, and busily setting to work, a mile of the track was 



Aug. 18, '64 Petersburg 243 

torn up and burned, and the rails destroyed in the usual manner. 
The skirmishing up to this time had been very light, the enemy 
having obviously withdrawn to his left, and the whole move being 
made with hardly a show of opposition. While the First Division 
was tearing up the track, the others passed on towards Petersburg 
and after advancing two or three miles, took position so as to repel 
an expected attack from the enemy. They did not have long to 
wait. About noon. Walker's Virginia and Davis' Mississippi 
brigades came hurrying down the railroad. Ayer's Second Divi- 
sion was stationed at this point; the Third and Fourth Divisions, 
at his right; and the First on his left. The battle opened very 
promptly on the arrival of the enemy with sharp artillery firing. 
The enemy, a part of Hill's Corps, then rushed in with great im- 
petuosity, falling with most force upon Hayes', Lyle's and Cut- 
ler's brigades, and succeeding in flanking a portion of our force, 
including Lyle's First Brigade, Crawford's Third Division, the 
latter brigade being brought forward under a severe enfilading 
fire. For tivo hours the firing was very hot, and as it was an open 
fight the losses were heavy. The main battle lasted till about 
three o'clock; but the skirmishing and cannonading continued 
till night, when both forces went to entrenching, the possession 
of the railroad still being left to our troops. Our loss is still some- 
what uncertain, but it is somewhere from five hundred to one 
thousand. The Second and Third Divisions suffered most and 
the Thirty-ninth Massachusetts and the Fifteenth New York 
Heavy Artillery lost heavily. The enemy claims to have cap- 
tured eight officers and one hundred and fifty men from us in this 
fight. The enemy's loss in killed and wounded was probably 
nearly equal to ours, but he lost few prisoners. 

Headquarters at night were at the Six Mile House, so called 
from its distance from Petersburg. That night and all the next 
day our forces were busily engaged in strengthening our lines, 
and in endeavoring to connect the right of the new position with 
the left of our old line. But towards the evening of Friday the 
enemy came out in force and pushed in between the new entrench- 
ment and the old ones, flanking the Fifth Corps and sweeping off 
about fifteen hundred prisoners. The Ninth Corps arriving on 
the field of battle, checked the enemy. Our loss was about three 
thousand men. Saturday was comparatively quiet, but on 
Sunday the enemy again furiously attacked us, and was repulsed 
with heavy loss. On Monday and Tuesday, there was occasional 
firing along the centre, but our lines were otherwise undisturbed. 
Our forces still hold the Weldon railroad, the capture and re- 



244 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

tention of which have cost a week of the hardest fighting of the 
campaign." 

General Humphreys, in his "Virginia, Campaign of '64 
and '65," has the following version of the story that 
specially touches our Division and Brigade: — 

"General A. P. Hill, with Davis' and Walker's brigades under 
General Heth, and Weisiger's, Colquitt's and Clingman's under 
General Mahone, with Lee's cavalry and Pegram's batteries, 
moved to the Vaughan Road intensection. Heth was to attack 
Ayers, while Mahone, familiar with the woods, was to move con- 
cealed by it some distance beyond Crawford's right, break 
through Bragg's skirmish line, and take Bragg and Crawford in 
rear. About half past four in the afternoon, General Mahone 
with his command formed in columns of fours, broke through 
Bragg's skirmish line, faced to the right, and swept rapidly down 
toward General Warren's right flank, taking all Crawford's 
skirmish line and part of his line of battle in rear. His skirmish 
line fell back in the greatest confusion, and in doing so, masked 
the fire of his line of battle, and forced it to fall back, together 
with a part of General Ayer's division. Heth at the same time 
opened on Ayer's centre and left. General Warren, reforming 
the parts of Ayers' and Crawford's divisions that were broken, 
brought them forward again and regained the ground temporarily 
lost, taking some prisoners and two flags. General Willcox was 
ordered up to attack; and White's division (Ninth Corps) was 
formed facing to the right, and engaging Colquitt's brigade 
drove it back, and captured some prisoners. Mahone's command 
fell back rapidly in great confusion to their intrenchments, carry- 
ing with them the parts of Warren's command disorganized by 
the attack on their rear in the woods, and a large portion of the 
pickets." 

As an illustration of one man's appreciation of a great 
battle, of what he sees, the follow ing extract is taken from 
the journal of Lieutenant Dusseault: — 

"We turned out at 3 a. m. This was the day of the 'Battle 
of Weldon Railroad,' sometimes called that of the 'Six Mile 
House' or the 'Globe Tavern,' also 'Yellow House.' We began 
our march at five o'clock towards the railroad, southwest and 
towards our left, a distance of five or six miles to the 'Six Mile 
House,' it being just that distance from Petersburg. Here we 
found the rebel pickets and drove them before us. General 



Aug. 18, '64 Petersburg 245 

Crawford's Division (Third), to which our Regiment belonged, 
formed a line of battle on the right of the railroad, and General 
Ayers of our Second Division formed on the left of the road. 
General Griffin's First Division was in the rear, tearing up the 
tracks as we thus advanced towards Petersburg. We had pro- 
ceeded about a mile and a half in dense woods, when Hill's 
Rebel Corps charged us. The 'Six Mile House' is now behind us. 
Avers' Division gives way, letting the enemy in on our left flank. 
There is nothing for us to do but fall back or be captured. The 
rebel line in front of us is within forty feet. The order is given to 
fall back. All were lying down flat on the ground at the time, 
the enemy in the same position, but ready to shoot as fast as we 
stood up. Colonel C. L. Peirson was already badly wounded in 
the bowels by a minie ball. He was able to stand long enough to 
give the command and then he fell. Just as I rose, a bullet struck 
me in the right side, broke the eighth rib and entered the lower 
lobe of the lung. I was taken oft the field, along with the Colonel, 
to the field hospital just back of us. Sergeant Bradshaw, after- 
wards second lieutenant, and Private Thomas, both of Company 
H, were leading me and Avhile thus supporting me, the latter was 
shot in the wrist, in consequence of which, hesitating a moment, 
he was captured. For a time I occupied the next cot to the Col- 
onel's. I heard the surgeon say that he could not live twenty- 
four hours. As I remember, he was placed outside in a tent by 
himself to die. Three or four hours later, when the surgeons 
looked in upon him they saw that he had revived somewhat, and 
he was taken to the division hospital. His life was long 
despaired of. Few men recovered from wounds of like character 
received during the Civil War. As Major Tremlett was still 
absent, the command devolved on Capt. F. R. Kingsley of Com- 
pany E. Our side was beaten for a time but, after being driven 
about a quarter of a mile, the men reformed and held the foe." 

Fred. Baker of Company H had joined the Regiment as a 
recruit in February, 1864; he was on the skirmish line on 
August 18th, and, the position being a pretty warm one, 
he had been digging a pit to get into for cover. About the 
time that the hole had become large enough for him to get 
into it, some rebel shot and killed him. He fell into the pit 
and some of the others covered him with the earth which 
he had removed. He had dug his own grave. 

Dexter Gray of Company E, who had been a school- 
master before the war, was shot in the head; he was so 



246 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

paralyzed that he could neither speak nor move. His 
comrades were preparing to bury him, thinking him dead. 
He knew everything that was being done but he could 
make no sign to them, neither could he help himself in the 
least. But just before they were ready to bury him, he 
recovered sufficiently to make them understand, and the 
burial was postponed for about twenty years. 

Many years later. General Peirson, having been re- 
quested to give some personal reminiscences to the Salem 
Evening News, under what he calls his last battle, recites 
the story of his experience in the foregoing 18th of August. 
After some prefatory statements, the General proceeds: — 

"General Grant's movements in that campaign were successive- 
ly to the left, and the order soon came for us to move to the left 
until we crossed the Weldon Railroad, which was about the last 
remaining feeder for the secession troops around Petersburg and 
Richmond. Arriving there we began tearing up the rails for half 
a mile to pile up the dry sleepers and put the iron rails on top of 
the cobpile and then firing the sleepers, the rails by the heat and 
their own weight were rendered worthless."* 

"Moving through small trees, we came upon the enemy, who 
immediately attacked. Our men were ordered to lie down, and 
to receive and return the fire from their position. The commander 
cannot avail himself of such protection, since the men are likely 
to be less homesick if they see him apparently indifferent. Not- 
withstanding these precautions, there were soon wounded men in 
plenty, the colonel being shot through the body, falling at once 
upon his knees from the shock. Just at that moment one of the 
lieutenants, Severand, from the left company of the Regiment 
came up and reported, 'Everything is swept away from the left.' 
He was ordered to go out to the left and investigate. He never 
returned. I went then to that company and sent out the captain 
to make the same investigation. He did not return. I then went 
out myself, and meeting a secession soldier, remarked with some 



*When the rails, thus heated, were grasped at their ends by several stal- 
wart men and carried so that the red hot middle might hit a good-sized tree, 
the extended iron would be bent almost double. The two ends being some- 
what divergent; four rails thus carried and thus applied and symmetrically 
placed about a tree made a very good Maltese Cross, the badge of the Fifth 
Corps and other army corps were wont to say when, as at the North Anna, 
they saw many tokens of this sort, "Well, the Fifth Corps has been here." 

A. S. R. 



Aug. 18, '64 Petersburg 247 

force, 'Drop that gun and come in here.' He obeyed, not under- 
standing that I had no strength to compel him, and I learned 
from him that his troops had got behind our left flank. This 
view was soon confirmed by the direction from which the bullets 
came. I then gave orders, something like this, 'Fours, right 
about, forward on the left company, March' or words to that 
effect, and the situation was saved. 

"By that time, I was so much exhausted by the loss of blood that 
I was carried to the rear, where there was a field hospital. When 
I met the regimental surgeon who was my dear friend, I saw tears 
come into his previously cheerful face, and I then knew that 
something serious had happened. They gave me a little tent 
and some of the wounded officers came to bid me good-bye. The 
major general, commanding the division, hearing that one of his 
colonels had come to grief, sent an aide to inquire w^hat could be 
done for my comfort. From him I obtained an ambulance. Our 
chaplain went with me, also a wounded soldier, who died on the 
way, and we started for City Point, where were the main hospitals 
of the army. In a few miles we came to a field hospital, where I 
hoped to be allowed to remain, but the surgeon declined, I thought 
brutally, to receive me, though I afterwards learned that any 
other course would have been fatal to me. So we proceeded on our 
long journey. Arriving at the splendidly equipped hospitals at 
City Point, my wound was examined, the ball probed for, and 
found, and by an operation extracted. Infiamation had by this 
time set in, and I remained in a very dangerous state for many 
days. 

"While I thus lay on my cot, the hospital was visited by some 
well meaning but clumsy Christians, whose mission it was to 
supply the patients with testaments and tracts. They, seeing me, 
stopped to urge me, since I was so soon to meet my Creator, to 
turn from my evil ways while there was yet time, and to read the 
instructive words with which they burdened my couch. One of 
my friends afterwards said, though I cannot vouch for the truth 
of the story, that I had only strength enough to reply, 'Go to 
blazes.' However, I grew better slowly, was sent North on a 
stretcher, and put to bed in Barton Square, where my dear mother 
nursed me back to life. Some months after, when the war had 
closed, I went into business onKilby street, Boston. One day there 
came into my office a well remembered soldier who proved to be 
the captain of the left company. He gave the military salute, 
and remarked, 'Colonel, I have come to report what I found on 
the left.' It seems that coming upon a secession picket, they had 
captured him, taken his weapons with most of his clothes, and 



248 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

persuaded him to go through a course of southern prisons from 
which he had only just returned." 

Of the 19th, Lieutenant Dusseault has this to say, "The 
fight was resumed. The rebels found a gap on our right 
and came through, thus flanking us again. Our artillery 
opened on them as they were between us and artillery, 
and the shells did us as much harm as they did the enemy. 
The men of both sides were now pretty well mixed up in 
the woods. Whichever squad was the larger would capture 
the other. This day our Regiment was in the worst part of 
the line and suffered more than any other, unless it was 
the Sixteenth Maine, which was captured almost to a man." 

In a paper read before the Massachusetts Military 
Historical Society, December 13, 1880, Captain Charles 
H. Porter says of this day:— 

"The morning opened dull and rainy, with the troops in good 
spirits. No ciianges were made. The troops of their own accord 
strengthened the held works, making them quite strong. Nothing 
happened until about 3 a. m., when the enemy showed consider- 
able activity, the pickets firing and showing quite a bold front. 
General Lee, determining to drive us from the road sends two 
divisions under Heth and Mahone. The former has four brigades 
with eight pieces of artillery from Pegram's battalion. Six of 
the pieces are west of the railroad and two are east of the same. 
Mahone has Weisiger's, Colquitt's and a part of Clingman's 
brigades. Mahone has discovered that the right of the I^fth 
Corps does not connect with anything. The Ninth Corps, which 
has been ordered to fill the gap, has not yet reached its destination 
though it is two o'clock p. m. Doubtless the extremely wet day 
prevented the prompt arrival of the reinforcement. Our troops, 
finding everything quiet and not expecting an attack, disposed 
of themselves in every way, trying to keep as dry as possible, 
little thinking of the fate in store for ihem. Four o'clock was the 
hour agreed upon by Heth and Mahone, as the time when the 
flanking column siiould be in position and almost to the minute, 
Mahone's iroops reached our skirmish line and drove it in. Then 
turning in the thick woods to the west, they moved in column 
directly upon the exposed right flank of the Federals. This 
exposed flank had been a subject of anxiety to General Warren, 
and he had issued orders accordingly. 



Aug. 19, '64 Petersburg 249 

"While the Third Division was passing a quiet afternoon, the 
officers at headquarters were informed that Heth was attacking 
vigorously in front, this being principally against the Second Divi- 
sion. Our Third Division is still undisturbed. The butchers of 
the division are slaughtering cattle when the pickets of the Ninth 
Corps come tumbling in, saying that the enemy is advancing 
upon them. The woods are so very dense that nothing can be 
seen through them. Not even General Warren, himself, can 
discern anything. When, however, a line of men is discovered 
approaching, Warren is so sure that they are the delayed Ninth 
Corps contingent, he will not allow artillery to open on them, a 
ver}' serious error on his part, for they are soon discovered to be 
a portion of the flanking Confederates, and that a considerable 
part of them is between our artillery and the Third Division. Our 
artillerists spring to their guns at once and open a rapid fire 
upon them. How does this act bear upon our Third Division, 
where the Thirty-ninth Regiment is? The very first intimation 
that Crawford's men have that all is not well with them, is the 
bursting of spherical case from the rear, in their midst. They are 
aware that the artillery is massed behind them, and they realize 
that something must have happened to bring such firing from 
their own comrades. Now, the firing in front from Heth and his 
men begins again, and our pickets are again attacked. It becomes 
necessary to seek protection from our own thirty guns. The men 
spring over the breastworks and hold them in reverse, thinking 
the pickets able to check the attack in front, and that their chief 
danger is from the rear. The suspense is soon broken when a line 
of confederate infantry comes rushing in upon them. All is now 
confusion. Without leaders, the men are completely demoralized. 
In the dark and dismal woods, dismayed by the fire from our 
own guns, the men make but a short resistance and this flanking 
column under Mahone captures nearly two brigades of the Third 
Division. The attack of Heth in front continues, adding to the 
confusion, but the rapid firing of our artiller}' convinces the enemy 
that there is nothing more for them in that direction, so they con- 
tent themselves with the 2700 prisoners, whom they have swept 
almost entirely from the Third Division, and move up the Halifax 
road with more captives than they themselves number. As they 
thus move aw'ay the captured men narrowly escape the fire of 
Mahone's two cannon stationed on the east side of the railroad; 
the gunners think so large an array of men in blue must be an 
attacking party, but the condition is disclosed soon enough to 
prevent the possible slaughter. 



250 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

"Such men of the Third Division as have not been captured, 
seek safety in every direction, each man for himself. Dodging 
behind trees, now east, now west, some of the wrecked body of 
men get the true direction and come out at the edge of the clear- 
ing, looking towards our artillery. Here they behold a welcome 
sight. It is an advancing line of the Ninth Corps, responding to 
the evident need. It is the First Division of the Ninth Corps, 
composed largely of Massachusetts men, and they are friends 
indeed. We know that, having the situation well in hand, the 
position will be regained and the railroad held. The remnants 
of the Third Division are finally rallied near the Dunlock House. 
Picture, if you can, one little knot gathered together, about 
twenty-five in number, all that, at this time, can be assembled 
of a regiment that yesterday carried three hundred and fifty 
muskets into the first day's fight, whose commander was most 
grievously wounded on that day. They are soon marshaled to 
occupy, as far as they can, their old line of works. Very few sleep 
any during the night, as the weary hours roll on, and it seems as 
though daylight would never come to bring relief to the dread 
hanging over the command through the night. Mahone and his 
men retire to their defenses with feelings quite the reverse of those 
of their opponents and the 'Little Gamecock of the Confederacy' 
fully merits his appellation as he turns over his plunder to General 
Lee." 

An excellent personal story of the second day is told 
by Sergt. George E. Fowie, Company K, whose experience 
quite likely was similar to that of nearly all the men of the 
Regiment who succeeded in getting out of the confusion, 
free: 

"I was acting First Sergeant of Company K. Corporal S. A. 
McFeeley was my bunkmate, and was one of the color guard. 
We were stationed in the woods on the right of the railroad, where 
the rebels made vigorous demonstrations on our front while a 
large force turned our right flank. Our artillery was firing solid 
shot over our heads when the enemy broke through and came 
between us and our cannon. The guns were immediately de- 
pressed to reach the confederates and the shots coming through 
them and reaching us were the first intimation we had of anything 
wrong. McFeeley was sent back to stop the artillery and was 
captured. The line was doubled up as the enemy came down on 
our flank. I started back with the rest and came across a canteen 
with the string cut; picking it up, I took a drink and filled my own 



Aug. 19, '64 Petersburg 251 

canteen, but when this was done I found myself alone, but I 
followed along in the direction which the others had gone. I 
came to a cartpath, where I saw some of our men with a few John- 
nies on the other side of the path. The bushes separating us 
were so thick and low that I had to spread them apart with my 
hands to get through, and when I did and straightened up, with 
my gun in my hand, I found myself looking into a rebel gun bar- 
rel, held by a Johnnie who was standing by the side of an officer, 
whom I took to be a colonel. I was told to throw down the gun, 
w^hich I did and walked across the road where the officer took me 
by the shoulder and turned me around, saying, 'Get into the 
ranks, and we'll take good care of you.' There were so many 
prisoners that we were in all sorts of position, one, two and three 
deep. The man nearest me wanted to know where the Maryland 
Brigade was located. 

"I unhitched my knapsack and turned around to see if anybody 
was looking, and gave it a throw into the bushes. As I did so, 
I saw Joe Adams, the National color bearer, come out into the 
road, look up and down the same, and then he raised the colors 
over his head and threw them into the wheel-ruts, there happened 
to be a break in the guards near him. I threw off my scabbard 
and cut the strap which held my cartridge box. We were nearing 
the railroad tracks, where the rebels turned and marched up to- 
wards Petersburg. When I saw a good chance I jumped into the 
bushes and soon heard someone behind me, and turning saw Joe, 
Adams and another man. All this time we were getting more or 
less missiles from our own guns; the solid shot had been changed 
to shells and we were troubled quite as much as the confederates. 
We soon encountered a rebel with a gun in his hand, just as a shell 
exploded near our heads. To Adams' query as to v/here was the 
direction of the rebel rear, he replied, 'I'll be d — d if I know.' 
At this, I left them to see what I could do for myself in finding 
our own breastworks. In a short time I came across a lieutenant 
of the Sixteenth Maine, who was behind a tree, whereupon I 
found a tree also, but I didn't stop long, since I was not gaining 
ground. We could see the prisoners and the guard and occasion- 
ally a rebel would come our way. 

"I started back towards our works, but on arriving found no one 
there,so I sallied forth to where the right of the Regiment had been. 
Going some distance beyond where our right was, I saw some troops 
mount the breastworks. At first I couldn't make out who they 
were, blue or gray, but, stooping down, I found them to be our 
men, and I recognized Corporal Abijah Thompson, who beckoned 
me to come up his way. The ground was covered with muskets, 



252 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

which had been thrown down when the boys were captured. 
Colonel Wheelock of the Ninty-seventh New York, then com- 
manding his brigade, was up on the right, and seeing the move- 
ment, he put his men in front of the works and charged out upon 
the enemy, capturing everything in sight, Yank and Reb, in- 
cluding the Colonel, who was going to take good care of me, a 
stand of confederate colors and, best of all, our own which Adams 
had thrown doAvn.* The state colors borne by Serg. William A. 
Mentzer of "A" were brought in safely by him, though by great 
effort. 

On getting out of the woods into the field, there stood the First 
Division of the Ninth Corps in line; I ran down and told General 
White that the rebels had got our Brigade, and that they were on 
the road in there, not ten rods from where he sat on his horse, 
and he could get them all if he went in. The General turned 
around and said to one of his staff, 'They have got the road we 
came down.' He was waiting for orders from General Warren. 
It had been raining and I didn't know whether the gun that I had 
picked up would go off or not, so I pointed the muzzle towards 
the ground and fired. Whereupon the General said, 'Don't you 
know any better than that?' I went back to the line, borrowed 
some cartridges and caps and loaded the gun, when Colonel 
Lyle and the remnant of the Brigade came out of the bushes. 
His command resembled a color guard. A staff officer soon 
ordered me back into the breastworks. I picked up a sergeant's 
knapsack and soon made a set of sergeant's chevrons. Our com- 
pany made two stacks of guns that night, and I put my gun across 
the stacks, and was in command of the company. Lieutenant 
Tidd and twenty-seven men of Company K were taken pris- 
oners. Our captain was sick and had been taken to the hospital. 



*At the last reunion, attended by Sergeant McFcelcy, he gave the following 
version of the day's incident, stating that when the Union batteries began 
to play on our lines, the commander of the color guard sent him back to stop 
the firing and in so doing, he ran into the rebel line. At once he tried to hide 
behind some bushes but a Johnnie got his eye on him and ordered him to 
come out, which he did. VValking along in the ranks, a prisoner, he saw a 
reb have a stand of colors and, on account of the rain, they were done up in 
their case, which he recognized as one that he had mended, and he also knew 
the staff which had been scarred by battle as belonging, both of them, to the 
Thirty-ninth. Naturally McFeeley kept as near the colors as possible and 
their present holder, who was very happy over his proud possession, though 
he had only picked them out of the rut where Adams had thrown them. 
When Wheelock's relieving colunmcame charging through, McFeeley stepped 
up to the rebel and remarked that he guessed he would hold that same flag 
awhile, thus saving the precious token from gracing some Confederate collec- 
tion of curios. 



Aug. 20, '64 Petersburg 253 

Of Saturday, the 20th, Captain Porter remarks that it 
opened quite pleasantly and that the sunlight, struggling 
through the clouds, was cheering to the lonely feeling 
troops of the Third Division, those that remained in line. 
The Ninth Corps had made a complete connection with the 
right of our division and further danger in this direc- 
tion was obviated. This day the engineers of the Fifth 
Corps marked out a new line of works to be occupied in the 
open, just in advance of the Dunlock House, about three 
hundred yards north from the Six Mile House. This line 
ran near the woods in which so great disaster had befallen 
our troops. Our Third division occupied ground to the 
right, east of the railroad, which still divided the forces of 
the Second Division. The breastworks were heavily made 
and were quite impracticable for an assault in front. The 
lines of the Fifth and Ninth Corps were continuations of 
each other. All lines in advance of this new one were 
abandoned in the afternoon and evening of the 20th, 
While there was hard work in the trenches there was no 
engagement with the enemy. The latter had by no means 
given up the recovery of the railroad and was making 
plans for the morrow. The juncture of the Fifth and 
Ninth Corps, leaving no aperture in that direction, his 
attention was necessarily drawn towards the left. It was 
said that General Roger A. Pryor of Virginia, conspicuous 
in ante-bellum days, by his altercaction with John F. 
Potter, a fellow Congressman from Wisconsin, who named 
bowie knives as duelling weapons, having retired from 
active army service, in his capacity of independent scout, 
had climed a tree and from this outlook discovered, as he 
thought, the vulnerableness of the Union left. Hastening 
to impart his discovery to General Mahone, the latter made 
plans for an attack on the 21st. With the details of this 
unsuccessful effort to repeat the tactics of the 19th, we have 
no CvSpecial concern, except to state that this time, Mahone 
carried back no prisoners and reported no victory. Ayers 
and his First Division were quite ready to receive callers. 



254 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Of this campaign of four days, General Warren says, 
"The heat of the first day (18th) was excessive, and on the 
march many fell out who are here reported among the 
missing, but who will soon rejoin us. About fifty were 
completely prostrated by sunstroke. The men were kept 
working night and day, and every day were wet through 
with the rains. The side roads and fields were almost 
impassable for artillery," However much the Confederates 
may have lamented the loss of the Weldon Railroad as a 
supply source, and to them it was a grievous one, the con- 
ditions brought about by these terrible battle days in 
August remained unchanged to the end. Grant was 
taking no backward steps and with the grip of a bulldog, 
whatever he grasped, he held. 

The losses met by the Thirty-ninth were frightful. May 
4th, when the Regiment crossed the Rapidan there were 
five hundred and thirty men in the ranks, fully twice the 
number in any other two regiments in the Brigade. Since 
then we had received from the Twelfth and Thirteenth 
Regiments two hundred and twenty-eight transfers, bring- 
ing the aggregate to nearly eight hundred men, yet so 
severe had been the tests of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania 
and the attacks on Petersburg, including this most recent 
calamity on the Weldon Railroad, on the morning of 
August 22d only one hundred and two enlisted men and 
nine of^cers reported for duty. Of course, some would 
eventually report from the missing, which included not 
alone prisoners and wounded, but stragglers as well, still 
the fact remained that the swoop that Malone made upon 
the First Brigade on that August afternoon came near 
finishing it. Colonel Peirson was seriously wounded and 
in hospital; Major Tremlett was away on detached service; 
Captain F. R. Kinsley w^as a prisoner in the hands of the 
enemy and the command devolved upon Captain George 
S. Nelson of Company A. We have already seen that 
Company K stacked nine muskets, under command of a 
sergeant, the night of the 19th; ten men were reported 



Aug. 22, '64 Petersburg 255 

left in Company C, and "E" Company had only seven 
or eight of the original number. Terrible are the ravages 
of war. 

The several army corps along the southside of Peters- 
burg are hereafter to gradually strengthen the lines already 
established, to build new forts and to place the Weldon 
Railroad in a condition that even its recovery would in 
no way profit the Confederacy, since the impoverished 
condition of the latter would be quite incapable of putting 
It into a running condition. Colonel T. F. McCoy of the 
Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania, commanding the 
Brigade after the retirement of Colonel Lyie, accounts for 
the procedure of the First Brigade during these days. He 
says that the dead were buried on the 22d. On the 23rd 
the division under General Crawford engaged in destroy- 
ing the railroad from the Yellow House in the direction 
of Petersburg, the First Brigade, however, acting as a 
reserve to protect the working parties. The 24th, what 
was left of the brigade rested quietly in camp. The 25th 
brought orders to change camps, in doing which, however, 
other orders were received to prepare for action, and the 
column immediately took up the line of march towards 
Reams' Station, where the Second Corps was heavily en- 
gaged with a large force of the enemy. It was at this 
point that Colonel Peter Lyle, Nintieth Pennsylvania, 
who had commanded the Brigade so long, on account of 
severe illness, was obliged to relinquish his command. 
Colonel M cCoy,* succeeding, marched the Brigade to the 

Coumv^PeJifTsTQ^^- H '^°^' °^ ''^^h-Irish lineage, was born in Mifflin 
P^ii ^'/ u"" ^ r- Having served seven years in the Militia, President 
Polk made him a first lieutenant in the Eleventh U.S. Infantry when the 
Mexican War began. Participating in the principal battles of tha Se, he 
came home a captain. A lawyer when the Rebellion began, he offered his 
staT'\vv,^T- F%1'" ^".^ ^'^^ "^^^^ d^P"ty quartermaie general of the 
d ied lu^ C ^2 J.\T ^\^'ft i- 'K^""^ """d'-^d ^"d Seventh Penn 
died July 16, 62. on the vote of the line officers of the Regiment, he was made 

Wnl ^ X ^^"^f P^" '" I" °^ the varied service of the One Hundred and 

oarticSariv ™ -nV"^"'"' ^°"^'-^ ^'''''' P"^- G^"^"-^!- General Warren tas 
fnT^^tl^ ^ " ^'l aPP'-eciative remarks about the colonel. Going home 
to Lewistown, Penn., he resumed the practice of law. Marrying May 22d 



256 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Yellow House, where he received orders from General 
Crawford to report with his command to General Bragg, 
which he did, and proceeded in the direction of Reams, 
but after marching about one mile hewas ordered to counter- 
march and encamp for the night. Next day, 26th, camp 
was again changed and the men were ordered to throw 
up works, southeast of the Yellow House. 

The digging that the Fifth Corps did in the vicinity of 
the Yellow House became a part of the system of fortifi- 
cations that were gradually extended to Fort Fisher, the 
extreme western fort, where there was a turn or refusal 
of the line to the southward, lest the favorite maneuver 
of the rebels might be tried on the Union left. Day and 
night, the work progressed, ever}^ day strengthening the 
coils which Grant and Meade were casting about the 
doomed city, and every one knew that the fall of Peters- 
burg meant the end of Richmond also. A deal of ammuni- 
tion was wasted in the bombardment of Petersburg, yet 
it had to be kept up, or the enemy would have thought the 
Yankees quite inefficient. They grew almost indifferent 
to the missiles from the Union guns and fifty years later 
they will tell of the tons of ammunition that were wasted 
upon them and their city. The "Petersburg Express"* 
located near the Friend House, and manned by the First 

'73, Miss Margaret E. Ross of Harrisburg, he led the life of respect and respon- 
sibility, one of the most prominent citizens of his town, for nearly half a cen- 
tury a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church and died July 20, 1899. His 
son, Frank R., a West Pointer, an officer in the Tenth U. S. Infantry, was 
wounded at San Juan, Cuba, and is now a Captain on the General Staff, 
Washington. Ancestors of the Colonel were in the Colonial Wars, members 
of Morgan's Riflemen in the Revolution; were in the War of 1812, and through 
father and son, in every National war since. 



"^Many opinions exist as to what and where the Petersburg Express was. 
Some even aver that it was a Confederate institution. General H. L. Abbot, 
in his History of the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, has the following, 
"To check an annoying enfilade firing from the left bank of the Appomattox, 
a thirteen inch sea coast mortar was mounted on a curve of the Railroad track 
by Company G. This novelty was widely known as the 'Petersburg P^xpress.' 
The mortar, on a heavy granite foundation, since Sept. 25, 1902, has stood 
upon the State House grounds, Hartford, as a memorial to the First Heavies." 



Sept. 2, '64 Petersburg 257 

Connecticut HeavA^ Artillery, failed not in its two hundred 
pound compliments for weeks and months and in the 
Twentieth Century the mortar itself will form a principal 
part of the regimental monument in Hartford. Somehow 
there is more real fighting over on the other side of the 
James where the Tenth Corps is located and the enemy 
cannot dispossess themselves of the impression that the 
Yankees really mean to get into Richmond that way. 

By the last of the month, matters have resolved them- 
selves into a long steady round of fatigue and picket duty 
to the music of artillery along the entire line, the attitude 
of the opposing guardsmen on duty depending entirely on 
the agreements that they may have made with each other, 
September 2d, General D. McM. Gregg, supported by 
General Crawford's (Third) Division of the Fifth Corps 
started out on an errand of some sort up the Vaughn road, 
towards the Plank Road and Petersburg; in other words 
it was a case of marching up the hill and then marching 
down again, for finding the enemy strongly entrenched, 
the entire force returned to camp. This day also the foe 
forgot the tacit agreement of friendliness and opened up 
a fire of musketry along the entire line, killing a large num- 
ber of men and effectually ending amicable relations for 
some time. 

While the fact of the occupation of Atlanta by the 
Union forces had been understood as early as the 2d, no 
official notice of the success was taken until the 4th, 
Sunday, when one hundred shotted guns were fired from 
extreme right to the furthest left, the celebration lasting 
about an hour, the enemy thinking it so queer a way of 
observing the Lord's day that they, too, opened their 
batteries and added to the din, arising from their own 
misfortune. "Westward Ho!" is evidently still the watch- 
word of our commander, forevcry effort is made to strengthen 
the extreme left, and both sides watch out with the 
utmost alertness. For the sake of rearranging a portion 
of our line of works it became necessary to gain possession 



258 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

of the rebel rifle pits at "The Chimneys, " on the Jerusalem 
Plank Road, and General Mott, with a backing from the 
Second Corps, was directed to accomplish the task, this 
on the night of the 9th of September. The duty was done 
at the point of the bayonet and the works were immedi- 
ately reversed, the same becoming of great advantage to 
the new possessors, General Walker of the Second Corps 
pronouncing the operation one of the most creditable in 
the entire siege. Of course, the foe did not let go without 
protest, and subsequent nights were rendered lurid by 
his efforts to regain the lost ground, but to no avail. 

The thoroughness with which the campaign is advanc- 
ing appears on Sunday, the 11th, when an engine is run 
over the newly laid railroad from City Point to the Weldon 
road at Yellow House. The Confederates are running 
trains to Stony Creek, twelve miles south of Reams; and 
the remainder of the distance, around the Union left into 
Petersburg, is effected by wagon, pretty slow and vexa- 
tious work! The firing along the picket line, annoying 
and useless, had become very obnoxious to General Birney 
of the Tenth Corps at the Union right, and to give the 
enemy something to think about opened a heavy fire on 
the works in his front and on Petersburg itself. The 
enemy also played during the afternoon on certain signal 
towers along the front of the Eighteenth Corps. A very 
tranquil evening followed this ebulitlon. Perhaps no event 
of the week gave the Confederates so much pleasure as 
their success in surprising a couple of cavalry regiments 
in charge of a large number of beef cattle, some 2500 in 
number, near Coggin's Point on the James River and 
running the vast herd into their lines and taking with 
them the careless guards. While the rebels were thus 
supplying their commissariat, others of their number made 
an attack on the entire skirmish line of the Fifth Corps 
and capture nearly a hundred of the men. On the 16th, 
the Second Brigade was assigned to forts on the left of 
the line, the Thirty-ninth being ordered to Fort Duchesne. 



Sept. 16, '64 Petersburg 259 

Camp was pitched just outside the fort, along with the 
One Hundred and Fourth New York the Eleventh, Forty- 
eighth and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania, all under the com- 
mand of Colonel Richard Coulter of the last named regi- 
ment. The 19th was enlivened by telegraphic news of 
Sheridan's victory near Winchester where Early was sent 
"Whirling up the Valley," followed by salvos of artillery 
in honor thereof. On the 28th, the paymaster left six 
months' pay. 

Ten days later, Thursday, the 29th, was a counterpart 
to a deal of activity on the Union right, when business 
was actually suspended in Richmond through fear that 
an assault was imminent; a column consisting of Gregg's 
cavalry, supported by two infantry brigades, set out 
towards the Poplar Springs Church road, beyond the 
Vaughan turnpike, advancing about two miles. On their 
return, they were attacked by Hampton's cavalry, the 
force that had stolen the cattle-herd, and a brisk encounter 
followed. Friday, the 30th, extending into Saturday, 
took place the battle of Peebles' farm between certain 
portions of the Fifth and Ninth Corps and the Confederates, 
General Grant having in mind a movement towards the 
Southside Railroad, expecting thus to still further cripple 
the cities of Petersburg and Richmond, the result being 
a considerable advance westward of the Union left. While 
all of this commotion was taking place, the Thirty-ninth 
Regiment moved into the fort, remaining there until the 
16th of October, when it came out and took a position on 
the Weldon Railroad half a mile in front of Fort Duchesne, 
and a mile from the Globe Tavern or Yellow House. 

So far as our Regiment is concerned, affairs are very 
quiet, though the extended Union line towards the west 
affords opportunity for constant work, day and night, for 
every man, and the number in the Thirty-ninth is not very 
great, so large a portion of the survivors of the Regiment 
being involuntary boarders in the Confederacy. The 
fact that less than eleven months remain of the service for 



260 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

which the men enhsted causes not a few remarks as to the 
gradual approach of the day of release, though all must 
know that the future holds many possibilities of battles 
and other exposure. Ignorance in this case is surely bliss. 
The first third of October covers considerable activity 
on the Union right, where Darbytown Road wins a place 
in battle lists, and the cooler nights indicate the approach 
of another winter with its peculiar exactions. The first 
frost comes on the night of the 9th-10th, From the 8th 
to the 11th all sorts of firing have been common in the 
vicinity of Sedgwick or "Fort Hell" in local parlance, on 
the last named night the pyrotechny being especially 
brilliant, a Richmond paper stating that it was the heavi- 
est mortar shelling of the siege, "The heavens being ablaze 
with brilliant meteors, ascending, descending and shoot- 
ing athwart the horizon in almost countless numbers and 
unsurpassed beauty." 

During these early October days. General S. W. Craw- 
ford is in command of the Fifth Corps and with it, accom- 
panying the Ninth Corps, a reconnoisance in force is made 
on the 8th towards the Union left, possibly with an idea 
of extending our works even beyond Fort McRae. After 
a day of hard marching and constant skirmishing the 
troops returned, wearied enough, to their starting point; 
but General Grant is not satisfied, even yet, that he cannot 
reach the Southside Railroad. A little past the middle of 
the month, or on the 19th, comes the most unqualified 
report of victory in the Shenandoah Valley that the country 
has yet heard. It is the story of Cedar Creek, fought on 
the 19th, when differing from the dispatches after Win- 
chester, just a month before, where Early was sent "whir- 
ling up the valley"; so nearly annihilated is the rebel army, 
it would be a very stiff breeze which could find anything 
left to whirl. The activities for this month, as far as the 
Fifth Corps is concerned, terminated with the joint move, 
on the 26th, of the Second, P^ifth and Ninth Corps along 
with Gregg's Cavalry against the Southside Railroad, 



Oct. 26, '64 Petersburg 261 

known as the Boydton Plank Road, some distance east 
of the railroad. Very full and explicit instructions had 
been issued to the designated troops, and the utmost care 
had been taken to insure the safety of the entrenchments 
during the movement. The Fifth Corps, or that part of 
it in the project, marched out on the Squirrel Level Road, 
in a southwesterly direction towards Hatcher's Run, a 
small stream rising near Sutherland Station on the South- 
side Road and flowing southeastwardly into Rowanty 
Creek, a tributary of the Nottoway River. The Lieuten- 
ant General was determined to leave no stone unturned to 
secure the longed-for source of Petersburg's supplies. 
The country itself revealed many of the Wilderness charac- 
teristics, there being no roads and no chances to move 
artillery. In this confusion, the right of the Second Corps, 
furthest west, was lost to the Fifth Corps, a fact which 
enabled the enemy to get in between the two corps and 
capture a considerable number of men, the Second Corps 
suffering more than the Fifth, one whole regiment being 
run in. The mix-up was not unlike that of the 18th of 
August, for rain set in and ammunition was scarce, our 
leaders were ignorant of the lay of the land which the 
enemy seemed to know perfectly; so the left flank move- 
ment ended with the return of the troops to their former 
positions. On this same 26th the Thirty-ninth moved 
to the left and garrisoned Fort Canahey. 

A very good story of give and take is recorded of this 
w^eek; at dusk in the evening of Thursday, the 27th, one 
hundred volunteers of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth 
Pennsylvania attacked the fort of the enemy which succeeded 
that blow^n up on the 30th of July, climbed the parapet, 
drove the occupants out and, for a brief period, were 
masters of the situation, this being a plan to hold the 
attention of the Confederates while the assault was pro- 
gressing further to left, but the enemy rallying quickly 
drove the Federal force back with considerable loss on 
both sides. In return, Sunday night, the 30th, at about 



262 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

ten o'clock, the rebels "relieved the pickets" in front of 
Fort Davis where the Sixty-ninth and One Hundred and 
Eleventh New York were on picket duty, and managed to 
capture nearly four hundred men. So delighted were the 
Confederates with their success they proceeded to throw a 
strong column against the works which had been uncovered 
by the capture of the pickets, but the alarm had been 
given and the triumphant men in gray were met with a 
fire of musketry that sent them back in a hurry and, for 
a time, there was a merry firing bee along the entire line. 
For the nonce, honors between blue and gray were easy 
and regular, expected shooting was resumed. 

Another and the last November for the Thirty-ninth 
begins and finds the remnant of the Regiment doing garrison 
duty under the command of Captain Nelson of Company 
A, and comparative quiet reigning along the extended 
battle line, now reaching from the north side of the James 
more than twenty miles to Hatcher's Run. Lieutenant 
Colonel Tremlett, so long absent from the Regiment, returns 
on Friday, the 4th, relieving Captain Nelson, who has led 
the organization since the capture of Major F. R. Kinsley 
at the Weldon Rialroad. Barring considerable excitement 
on the 5th, near "Fort Hell," where lines were captured by 
the enemy and reversed only to be re- taken and restored, 
day and night fully sustaining the reputation of the 
locality, and efforts of like nature in front of Fort Steadman 
on the 9th, the game of life and death was played without 
special emphasis — just the steady, constant watchfulness 
of thousands of men unwilling to allow any act of their 
adversary to pass unnoticed. Tuesday, the 8th of November, 
brings the presidential election, and the triumphant re- 
election of Lincoln, all soldiers having the privilege of 
voting, a singular illustration of ways in a republic where, 
in becoming a soldier the man does not lose his citizenship. 

The 24th was Thanksgiving Day in New England and 
many a prayer was offered for the men at the front and 
many expressions of love and recollection were speeded 



Nov. 24, '65 Petersburg 263 

southward for the delectation of absent ones. Nearly 
thirty tons of turkeys were said to have been sent from 
the North to the armies, and this vast amount of food, 
accompanied by all sorts of other meats and luxuries, must 
have gone far towards furnishing forth at least one good 
old-fashioned dinner for many thousands of men. As a 
sort of godsend to the enemy, possibly that they, too, 
might be thankful, on the 19th, some forty or fifty head of 
cattle, escaping from our corrals, made for the Confederate 
works where they were received as enemies, yet later 
found a thoroughly warm reception. On the 26th, the 
Ninetieth Pennsylvania, having reached the end of its 
term of enlistment, started for Philadelphia. It had been 
in the same division with the Thirty-ninth from the time 
of our joining the First Corps and, for the larger part of the 
period, in the same brigade. Its good qualities we had 
learned to appreciate. An outgrowth of the Second 
Regiment, Pennsylvania militia, it had served, under 
Colonel Lyle,*in the Three Months' call and, again, for 

*Peter Lyle, Colonelof the Ninetieth Pennsylvania, Bvt. Brig. General, and 
for much of the service of the Thirty-ninth in the Fifth Corps, commander 
of the Brigade, was born in Philadelphia, Christmas Day, 1821. Receiving 
very little education from the schools, he was apprenticed to the cigar trade 
while yet a boy. His marked boyish predelection was love for military mat- 
ters, and he drilled his boyish associates, formed into a company, till they 
became noted for their proficiency, accomplishing in their juvenile way 
wonders with their broomstick guns. When only sixteen years of age, during 
the absence of the officers, he commanded and paraded the City Phalanx. 
While still a youth he organized an independent company which he com- 
manded until it was taken into the National Guards. In 1846 he succeeded 
to the command of the company which before the war had increased to a 
battalion, becoming a regiment in 1860 under the command of Colonel Lyle. 
His organization had volunteered for service in the Mexican War but, the 
quota being full, it did not go. At the outbreak of the Rebellion, the Regi- 
ment, as the Nineteenth Pennsylvania, volunteered and so served for three 
months. Reorganized in August, 1861, it was sworn in for three years as the 
Ninetieth Regiment, still commanded by Colonel Lyle. He never fully 
recovered from a wound received at Antietam. Subsequent to the war he was 
elected sheriff in 1867, being a Democrat in politics, serving a single term. 
Much that he had acquired during his term was absorbed by an agricultural 
venture in Maryland which, failing finally, he was thrown entirely upon the 
outcome of carriage making, a business to which he gave immediate atten- 
tion after the discharge of the Regiment, his associate being his late Adjutant, 
David P. Weaver. His last public appearance in a military capacity was 
during the riots of 1877 when, though suffering agonies from bodily ills, he 



264 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Rp:gIxMent 

three years. Recruits and re-enlisted men were transferred 
to the Eleventh Pennsylvania and all that were left of the 
originals were off for home. Towards the end of the month 
summaries were prepared of the losses sustained by the 
Army of the Potomac in the campaign so relentlessly 
waged and, according to Surgeon Thos. A. McParlin, 
Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, from May 
3rd to October 31st, the number of wounded amounted to 
57,496, exclusive of the Eighteenth Corps while serving in 
this army, and he does not include the Ninth Corps at the 
Wilderness and at Spottsylvania Court House. According 
to data prepared by General Warren the killed and 
wounded in the Fifth Corps, during this same period, 
amounted to more than eleven thousand. The precautions 
taken to preserve life, and at the same time offering readiness 
to receive as well as make attacks, taxed the highest talents 
and ingenuity of engineers and soldiers. To the right and 
left, as far as the eye could reach, were earthworks of the 
strongest character, though few cared to take the risk of 
prolonged observations. There were corduroy roads under- 
ground and covered ways of heavy trunks of trees under 
four or five feet of earth to prevent shells from reaching 
those beneath. Few men cared to be for any considerable 
time in these safety holes, the monotony and closeness 
being terrible. 

Though the Army of the Potomac is nominally in winter 
quarters, this in no way prevents changes of location, the 
organization of raids and a degree of activity hitherto 
unknown among the veterans of one or more winter's 
experience, who are carefully watching rebels while, at 

sat his saddle and discharged his duties faithfully. Soon after he declined a 
re-election to the command of the Regiment and died in Philadelphia, July 17, 
1879. His burial was attended with all the honors due a full Brigadier Gen- 
eral, his body having lain in state in the armory of his Regiment that he had 
led so long and so well; it was buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery by the side of his 
brother, David M. Lyle, the last Chief Engineer of the Philadelphia Volun- 
teer Fire Department. For the foregoing facts we are indebted to Captain 
P. Lyle Weaver, a son of Adjutant D. P. Weaver, himself a Philadelphia 
journalist. — A. S. R. 



Dec. 1, '64 Petersburg 265 

the same time, keeping a careful reckoning on the time 
intervening before their muster-out. December comes 
in with a salute to the effect that it is the last one the Regi- 
ment will see in the field. On Thursday, the 1st, General 
Gregg leads a cavalry raid down the Weldon Railroad, 
starting before daylight, riding as far as Stony Creek, 
twenty-two miles below Petersburg, for the sake of 
destroying whatever stores may be collected there and to 
destroy also whatever advance may have been made in a 
proposed railroad connection between Stony Creek, the 
present terminus of the Weldon Railroad, and the South- 
side Road through a new track, laid down by way of the 
Dinwiddie and the Boydton Roads. With considerable 
adventure, this was successfully done and with a forty 
mile's ride, not to mention the fighting, to their credit, the 
expedition was back again at 11 p. m. 

The early part of the month saw the return of the 
Sixth Army Corps from its experiences in the valley, and 
with the garlands of victory fresh upon it, the corps took its 
place along the Petersburg line. In July, when the Sixth 
started for Baltimore and Washington, the Union front 
extended only a little further than the Jerusalem Plank 
Road; now it is prolonged to Hatcher's Run, and every 
foot of the prolongation has cost efi^ort and blood; eight 
miles of new frontage dearly won. Into this battle line 
Sheridan's "Foot Cavalry" settles as naturally as though 
it has been away only a day or two on a casual raid. What 
is left of Early's force has been back with Lee several 
weeks. Not satisfied with the cavalry demonstration of 
the 1st, General Warren is ordered to conduct a more 
formidable array on the 7th to the same region. The 
troops, Fifth Corps, Mott's Division of the Second Corps 
and a division of cavalry under Gregg, above 20,000 in 
number with twenty-two pieces of artillery, have been 
massed on both sides of the Jerusalem Road and after a 
cold night, in the face of a severe rain, are off. On the 
Nottoway River, they come to where Freeman's Bridge 



266 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

was formerly, twenty miles from Petersburg, and they 
cross the stream on a pontoon bridge. Next day (8th) the 
march southward is continued and at Jarratt's Station 
where the Weldon Railroad crosses the Nottoway, thirty 
miles from Petersburg, they burn the bridge, two hundred 
feet long, crossing the river. The railroad track is torn 
up in the effectual manner characteristic of the times and 
Thursday night is spent here. Friday (9th) the work of 
destruction continues down to Bellfield, twelve miles 
further along. Of course there is skirmishing with the 
enemy constantly, but he is not here in sufficient force to 
offer substantial resistance. The troops bivouac for the 
night at Three Creek, three miles this side of Bellfield. All 
the time the weather has been wretched, the constant rain 
rendering the roads almost impassable and, to crown all, 
this night (Friday) come snow and hail to add to the 
general discomfort. Saturday (10th) the expedition faces 
towards Petersburg, burning on the way back the buildings 
at Sussex Court House in retaliation, so said, for the 
shooting of some of our stragglers and here the army 
bivouacs; resuming the backward route the Nottoway was 
reached in the evening of the 11th and, on the 12th, the 
old quarters are struck by a very tired body of men; the 
net results being a march fifty miles long, three railroad 
bridges destroyed, fifteen miles of railroad track torn up 
and bent out of shape and a county court house burned. 

No mention is made in the official report of the quantity 
of apple-jack which the curiously inclined Yankees sought 
and found and, to their own harm, imbibed. The section 
had not been overrun before, and consequently better 
stored farm houses were found than the men had been 
seeing of late and, notwithstanding the rigors of the cam- 
paign, possibly on account of them, they made merry with 
the seductive liquids made from innocent cider. The 
story was long current that one man, outside of fully 
three fingers of the booze, and growing correspondingly 
free with the dignitaries, slapped General Warren familiarly 



Dec. 10, '64 Petersburg 267 

on the back, calling him "The little Corporal," a term 
which ever afterwards clung to the soldier himself. Can- 
teens of the fiery stuff were carried back to camp for the 
benefit (?) of those who did not go. Had the weather been 
more propitious, it is possible that the expedition would 
have gone on twenty miles further to Weldon, on the 
Roanoke. 

In the foregoing episode, the Thirty-ninth bore its part, 
having moved back to the rear line on the 5th and, at the 
start, taking the advance of the infantry. Just before 
reaching Halifax Road, the 8th, on indications of trouble 
ahead the Regiment was deployed and sent forward as 
skirmishers to hold the road. Having established a line of 
pickets, the Thirty-ninth stood by to guard the road while 
the main column passed on. Shortly after dark we 
followed the troops, overtaking them near Jarratt's 
Station, and there we took a hand in destroying the rail- 
road. On the 9th we had a place at the extreme left of the 
corps, and picketed the front of the brigade, which was 
doing its best to make the road a hard one for the rebels to 
travel. At 6 p. m. we were withdrawn to Cross Roads, 
above Bellfield, one half going on picket, the other half 
into camp with the Brigade. In the movement backward, 
beginning on the 10th, we fetched up the rear and thus 
enjoyed frequent tilts with the close following cavalry 
of the enemy who, in spite of our best efforts, managed to 
capture any who straggled, in the number, our Regiment 
losing four men. On the 11th, starting before daylight, we 
crossed the Nottaway at four o'clock in the afternoon and 
at nine halted for the night. On the 12th, we were back 
again before Petersburg, having marched twelve miles. 
Encamping near the Jerusalem Plank Road, we were 
ordered to build huts for the winter and, following a week's 
work, we moved into our new quarters where, for about a 
month, we had almost easy times. At any rate we were 
not right under the fire of the enemy all of the time. We 
had to turn out at intervals on account of real or fancied 



268 TlIIRTV-NINTH IMaSSACHU SETTS ReGIMENT 

dangers; drill and fatigue duties had their part and there 
were the regular details for guard and picket. Once we 
served as guard for a wagon train which went outside for 
bricks and boards, securing the same from a deserted house 
some five miles away. 

It must be understood that absolute quiet in front of 
Petersburg was out of the question. The extended works 
were like a mammoth keyboard for an organ, whose 
dimensions transcended imagination and, seated thereat, 
all the gods and goddesses of War played music that rivaled 
the thunderbolts of Jove, now the low mutterings of distant 
lightning, anon rising to the fierce reverberations of an 
equinoxial as when, on the 19th of December, doubly 
shotted guns told the joy of the Union that Thomas had 
annihilated Hood at Nashville or, on the 26th, when Mars 
himself seemed to press those keys in token of the termi- 
nation of the March to The Sea and that Savannah had 
fallen. Always catching up the refrain, the unterrified 
rebels, aided by their own warlike deities, hurled it back 
upon us, sometimes like an echo, immeasurable augmented, 
till veritably it seemed that the opposing lines, stretching 
away beyond human sight, could not have evoked a greater 
riot of sound had they been exits of Aetna and Stromboli. 
A topmost gallery seat in this magnificent theatre of war 
afforded, in the very mildest passages of Freedom's 
Oratorio, all the sound, melodious or otherwise, that the 
average human ear could appreciate. 

Christmas brought nothing more notable than a beauti- 
ful day, which in the midst of a cheerless w^inter was 
not unwelcomed, but there were none of the festivities 
which untold generations have developed as essential 
features of the coming of the Prince of Peace and, for that 
matter, what propriety could there be in observing the 
advent of the Christ Child in an army, yet the world is full 
of just such anomalies. As December nears its end and 
dies with the old year, careful observers scan the retrospect, 
and in the deeds of Grant, Sherman, Thomas and Sheridan, 



Dec. 25, '64 Petersburg 269 

behold the utmost encouragement. Grierson, with his 
cavalry marching from Tennessee to Louisiana, has dis- 
covered the Confederacy to be a "shell with nothing in it. 
With Grant holding Lee in his relentless clutches at Peters- 
burg, Thomas looking about for the scattered remnants of 
Hood's Army, Price driven out of Missouri, Sheridan, at 
the head of his troopers, ready to vault into the saddle, and 
Sherman turning his face towards Augusta and Charleston, 
seemingly the "last ditch" is very, very near. Yet, that 
the enemy is not disposed to yield till forced to do so, on 
the very last day of the year, when "Happy New Year" is 
already ready for utterance by millions of happy voices, the 
Union picket line, in the region of Forts Wadsworth and 
Howard is surprised by a party of the enemy who charging 
furiously, yelling and firing rapidly, drive our men back 
into their main works with hardly a chance to exchange a 
shot. We lose two killed, three wounded and thirty-five 
captured, and the Johnnies took backwith them the blankets, 
knapsacks and whatever other belongings they could find. 
So alert and swift were the rebels, so well had they planned 
their attack that they were out of range before the men in 
the forts could return their compliments. So ends the 

year. 

18 65. 

January, the month of good resolutions and merry 
greetings, finds the opposing armies in front of Petersburg 
still grimly plying their guns and wishing for the end ot 
the war. In the campaign from the Rapidan southward 
to the end of the year. Grant has lost in killed, wounded 
and captured more men than Lee was reputed to have had 
under his command when the fight began, yet the line in 
blue in front of the beleaguered city is just as persistent, 
just as vigorous as when the siege was started. While the 
exhaustless resources of the North are indicated by Lin- 
coln's call for a half million more soldiers and follows that 
with a proposition to draft 300,000 more, Lee is writing 
the Confederate Secretary of War, "There is nothing 



270 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

within reach of this army to be impressed. The country 
is swept clear. Our only reliance is upon the railroads. 
We have but two days' supplies." General B. F. Butler, 
after the failure of the Fort Fisher attack has been relieved 
and sent home to Lowell, and General Terry is organizing 
a new expedition against the great fortification and ere 
the month is over his success will be heralded the country 
over. In its snug cabins or huts, the Potomac Army is 
gaining strength for the signal which will draw the men 
from their repose and send them forward. The winter is 
unusually severe, but, well clad and covered, the men 
in blue wot little of the sufferings of their adversaries in 
gray who are passing through all of the anguish which 
their fathers knew at Valley Forge. Of the Fifth Corps it 
need be said only that it and its many regiments are writ- 
ing letters home, reading the matter sent them from those 
same homes, watching the foe and looking toward the end. 
The end of the month was signalized by the arrival of the 
so-called Peace Commission, consisting of Vice-president 
Alexander H. Stephens of the Confederacy and others who, 
February 3rd, met President Lincoln and Secretary 
Seward at Fortress Monroe, but, as the President would 
not enter into any negotiations without assurance of 
unconditional acknowledgment of perpetual union and the 
abolition of slavery, which the Confederates were not 
prepared to grant, nothing came of the meeting. 

It is in this same January that Major A. R. Small, in 
his history of the Sixteenth Maine* has the following very 



*One of the most pleasant memories of war times is that of the almost David 
and Jonathan relations that existed between certain regiments. This was the 
case with the Thirty-ninth and the Sixteenth Maine; either one had a feeling 
of security if, in the hour of danger, it was supported by the other; exposed 
repeatedly to a common peril, in a measure, the history of one is that of both; 
each regiment had the highest regard and respect for the leaders of its fellow 
organization and for years after the war exchange of courtesies on reunion 
occasions was an expected event. Closely related in early history as were 
Maine and Massachusetts, the equal intimacy between representatives of the 
two states in camp and march and on the field lingers long in the minds of 
those who participated. 



Jan. 31, '65 Petersburg 271 

pleasant words about the Thirty-ninth, words that the 
members of the Bay State Regiment thoroughly appreciate 
and fully reciprocate: 

Among the strongest and most lasting attachments formed by 
the Sixteenth for other troops during its term of service was that 
for the Thirty-ninth Massachusetts, Colonel Davis commanding. 
I have no record of the date when it joined the First Brigade, but 
it was a day which marked an era of progressive good feeling, 
which ripened into warm, personal attachments. The Regiment 
was splendidly officered, and under its able commander was an 
ever present incentive for us to do our very best. We never 
reached its precision in the manual of arms. We doubt if in this 
particular qualification it had a superior in the army; certainly 
it had not an equal in the Corps. Colonel Davis had a quiet 
way of coming into our hearts and he came to stay. 

Though the men in the ranks knew it not, nor for that 
matter did the majority of the officers, yet it is stated 
that on the last night in January orders went to the several 
Corps of the Potomac Army to be ready to march. From 
that moment activity was prevalent; increased firing 
along the front concealed to some extent the work of the 
railroad in bringing up the necessary supplies from City 
Point. As early as the 4th of February came orders to 
the Regiment to be ready to move at a moment's notice. 
The 5th brought the order to report at brigade headquar- 
ters where the other regiments of that body were found, 
and the Corps was joined at 7 a. m. As usual Gregg's 
cavalry had preceded us and as on several former occa- 
sions the Fifth Corps leads the infantry to be followed by 
the Second and a repetition of the Hatcher's Run inci- 
dents of last October and December. The Fifth Corps is 
to pass around the enemy's right flank while the other 
troops assail in front; Crawford's Division to which the 
Thirty-ninth belongs marches last. Our direction is toward 
Dinwiddle Court House within two miles of which we 
camp for the night. Monday, the 6th, we are detailed for 
picket duty; in the afternoon we cross Hatcher's Run and 
in the first battle-line we are at the right, the enemy being 



272 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

strongly entrenched at Dabney's Mills. The first attempt 
to dislodge the rebels is unsuccessful, but in a second charge 
we take the works which, however, we are compelled to 
vacate because of lack of support. 

The events of this day so far as the Second Brigade is 
concerned are effectively told by Major Isaac Hall, histo- 
rian of the Ninet3^-seventh New York, at this time a part 
of the Brigade: 

Early in the afternoon of the following day (6th), Crawford's 
Division moved forward into the woods in search of the enemy. 
He was supported on the left by Ayers' (Second) Division; 
Gregg's cavalry being on the extreme flank. This movement 
covered the Vaughn and Dabney Mill roads, and Baxter's 
Brigade was on the right of the column. The enemy's skirm.ish- 
ers were soon reached and pressed back upon the main line of 
Pegram's Division of Gordon's Corps, which also retired to the 
ruins of an old mill, where it made a stand. As the brigade came 
to an opening, a formidable fort — as was supposed — presented 
itself to view, and a strife occurred between the color bearers of 
the Sixteenth Maine and the Ninet^^-seventh New York as to 
which should first plant its standard upon the fort. The contes- 
tant of the Ninety-seventh achieved the victor)^; but great was 
his disappointment when instead of a veritable fort he found only 
a huge heap of saw-dtist. A lively musketry fire was kept up 
here for twenty or thirty minutes, when Mahone's heavy col- 
umns came to the support of the line in our front. This was a 
most inopportune moment for the Fifth Corps; many of the men 
were already out of ammunition and the line surged back in spite 
of the officers. General Warren M'as himself at the front and with 
his read}^ glass was coolly sur\"eying the enemy. He wa's pointed 
to by the officers, and as if ashamed of themselves the men faced 
about, but this was of no account since only a few shots were 
fired; the best of men will not stand with empty muskets and be 
shot down, and to charge with empty cartridge boxes and 
unloaded pieces was out of the question; hence the retreat was 
continued, not precipitately, but the line surged slowly and sul- 
lenly to the rear. The enemy was not eager to follow, as if 
doubting the sincerity' of our retreat. An ordnance wagon had 
been ordered up, and some four or fi\'e hundred yards in front of 
our works Captain Trembly was met with an ammunition wagon 
with which, in the narrow road, he could neither advance nor 
retreat and was about to destroy it. The wagon was caught by 



Feb. 6, '65 Petersburg 273 

the men and quickly changed ends, and when our trenches were 
reached the ammunition was quickly distributed. A part of the 
Sixth Corps had arrived, and as the Fifth emerged from the 
woods it was fired into by the former, which seemed incHned to 
dispute our passage to the rear, some raw troops mistaking our 
hne for that of the enemy. The latter did not press heavily upon 
our fortified position but seemed satisfied to know that our 
forces were well up. Our men lay upon their arms through the 
long, cold night. The morning of the 7th was cold and rainy; 
the rain soon turned to sleet which covered the ground and ren- 
dered the movements of troops difficult and somewhat dangerous. 
Our hands became so benumbed that it was difficult to handle 
our pieces, still we held our positions and occasionally advanced 
upon the enemy, which seemed to consist of a thin, gray line 
covering itself in the woods. 

The foregoing wagon incident is told in quite a different 
manner by a survivor of our Regiment who believes in 
giving credit to him to whom credit is due: 

At the battle of Hatcher's Run, Feb. 6th, 1865, our forces made 
a charge on the rebels, driving them back quite a distance; four 
of our ammunition wagons followed in through a cart path, when 
all at once our line broke and began falling back. The Captain 
of the ordnance wagons became rattled and ordered Sergeant 
W. P. Brown of Company K, Thirty-ninth, who was ordnance 
sergeant under him, to have the drivers unhitch the mules and 
burn the wagons, he himself taking the first two wagons and 
destroying them. Sergeant Brown kept his head, turned his two 
wagons around and saved one of them, the other, breaking a 
pole, had to be abandoned; the Captain in the meantime lost 
his horse, which was caught by Sergeant Brown, who went back 
in search of the officer, whom he found wandering about like a 
crazy man. Brown managed to get him on his horse and piloted 
him to the rear. Now comes the injustice, the Captain was com- 
plimented very highly on his bravery, a picture came out in the 
New York papers showing him destroying the wagons to keep 
them out of the hands of the rebels, while Brown was never 
mentioned or noticed in any way. Brown said that if he had had 
full charge, he could have saved three of the wagons at least, 
for he would have been perfectly sober — "To him that hath 
shall be given." 

The particular part borne by the Thirty-ninth was to 
form in line at 8 a. m. and then to be deployed as skir- 



274 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

mishers in front of the Brigade. Thus advancing, the 
skirmishers of the enemy were driven from three Hnes of 
rifle pits back into their main works which were near. 
At 5 p. m. our Hne was ordered to advance upon them, 
but the assault proving unsuccessful the line fell back to 
its original position where it remained exposed to a galling 
fire till late at night, when it was relieved. Wednesday, 
the 8th, was spent in bivouac, a couple of miles back of 
the scene of Tuesday's activities. The next day (9th), 
the Regiment went on picket and, when relieved on Friday, 
the 10th, it moved back to its old camp, near the Jerusalem 
Plank Road to get the men's baggage that had been stored 
there. After this ebulition, which cost the Fifth Corps 
1,165 killed and wounded and 154 missing, quiet again 
fell on the army, and on the 11th, moving out to the 
extreme Union left near Hatcher's Run, camp was again 
pitched and winter quarters were once more prepared. 
One writer says that the Brigade was camped near the 
Goshen House, the Fifth Corps being massed in rear of 
the Second. However disagreeable such variations in 
what many would have made a peaceful winter may have 
been to the soldiers, there is not a doubt that the lesson of 
constant watchfulness was thoroughly impressed upon 
everyone, officers as well as men. Here, subjected to the 
accustomed routine of camp and picket duty, February 
wore away. 

The beginning of March brought little if any variation 
on the ending of the preceding month, yet there was a 
feeling in most minds that the month would bring on the 
commencement of active hostilities. Everybody knew 
that Sherman had reached North Carolina, and that 
General Joe Johnston, with such forces as he could secure, 
was trying to prevent the further advance of the triumphant 
army northward. The line whose beginning we heard 
announced amid the thunders of Spottsylvania had 
encompassed Petersburg and was slowly but surely extend- 
ing towards that never ending left. Though the army 



Mar., '65 Petersburg 275 

did not know It, General Lee in these March days had 
sought an interview with Grant with reference to some 
solution of the problem so long under consideration. The 
latter had wisely referred the matter to Washington, 
whence Lincoln warned the Lieutenant General against 
having any conference with Lee unless to accept his sur- 
render. Save for just a little vigor shown by Sheridan 
and his cavalry there was practically nothing doing in the 
Old Dominion till away past the middle of the month 
when, on the 25th, the Confederates made their charge 
upon Fort Steadman, in front of the Ninth Corps, the very 
last aggressive movement on the part of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, effectually demonstrating to the exact- 
ing Confederacy that its soldiery had fired Its last charge 
of ammunition In attack and that hopeless resistance and 
flight were the only resources left. 

As side lights to the story of a single regiment in the 
great struggle, it might be said that United States Senator 
E. B. Washburn of Minnesota came down from Washing- 
ton, arriving at City Point March 10th, the bearer of the 
medal which Congress had voted to General Grant for 
his distinguished services; the presentation was made in 
the main cabin of the steamer which brought the Senator, 
the evening of the 11th, the day itself having been given to 
a ride through the army and a review of some of the troops. 
General Meade and staff were present at the presentation, 
which was made In eloquent words by Washburn, a per- 
sonal friend of Grant, and the latter received his honor 
with all the modesty that ever characterized all of his acts. 
While all this was taking place and the Infantry of the 
great army was gaining strength for the coming ordeal, 
Sheridan and his ever untiring cavalry were continuing 
the raid on which, with 10,000 riders, he had started from 
Winchester, February 27th and, like a cloudy pillar by 
day and one of fire by night, he had ridden southward, 
once more administering severe punishment to Early and 
his followers; between Staunton and Charlottsvllle, had 



276 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

destroyed mills and factories, a considerable portion of the 
James River Canal, railroad bridges and tracks; and now, 
with his wearied horsemen, is approaching White House 
on the Pamunkey River. 

Nor was March altogether one of idleness for the Thirty- 
ninth, since the new quarters constructed in February had 
to be maintained, and ordinary policing of camp will 
insure an appetite for any healthy soldier, and picket duty 
added kept everybody busy even if they were not march- 
ing and fighting. A newspaper correspondent of the day, 
having been through the camp and finding it extremely 
well kept, commented on the same in exceedingly compli- 
mentary terms, concluding with, "and the soldiers are 
spoiling for a fight," which, coming to the observation of 
the men, one of them thus moralized in his diary, "To 
say that a soldier is anxious for a fight and is eagerly 
waiting for a combat with the enemy is talk that savors of 
nonsense; only a lunatic would use such words. A soldier 
can be brave and can most ardently wish for the over- 
throw of the enemy, and be willing to fight if he must, 
but he never desires battle when strategy will do just as 
well, unless drunk or crazy like some of the newspaper 
men." Thursday, the 9th of March, brought along a 
pleasure in that the Regiment passed in review before 
that most excellent former division commander, General 
John C. Robinson, who had been so severely wounded at 
Laurel Hill and was just getting about once more. On 
the 14th, General Warren conducted a review of the entire 
Corps, a fact that set men to remarking that a move-out 
would soon be in order. Two days later, the 16th, another 
exhibition of our soldierly attributes and attainments was 
made for the edification of Secretary of War Edward M. 
Stanton and others, the Thirty-ninth acquitting itself in 
a praiseworthy manner. 

The expiring thrust of the Rebellion, the assault and 
temporary capture of Fort Steadman on Saturday, the 
25th of March, called for immediate aid from different 



March 25, '65 Petersburg 277 

parts of the line, the Thirty-ninth with others; coming at 
five o'clock in the morning it was a great surprise to all 
of us; though the attack was about ten miles to the right, 
the noise of heavy artillery was excessive, and the Fifth 
Corps in light marching order was ordered to the rescue 
at once. The response was immediate and eager, and the 
Corps had a commendable pride in itself as it moved out 
of its several camps with brave Warren at its head, march- 
ing briskly towards the conflict, but before the scene could 
be reached the firing ceased and we were halted till, all 
danger passed, we were ordered back to camp. Near the 
Gurley House the Corps was reviewed by President Lin- 
coln, it being not a little interesting that the President and 
his family had arrived at City Point the night before and 
he was near enough to see the 1600 prisoners taken at the 
Fort as they marched by. 

It was March 24th, or the day before the assault on 
Fort Steadman, that Generals Grant and Meade issued 
their orders for the general movement against the enemy, 
the same to begin on the 29th, The Fifth Corps was in 
reserve and occupying camps in the rear of and to the left 
of the Second Corps. Griffin's (First) Division was on 
the right, closely connecting with the Second Corps; Ayres' 
(Second) was next at Griffin's left and Crawford's (Third) 
was still further to the left and near the Halifax Road. 
The movable force of the Potomac Army consisted of the 
Second and Fifth Corps and Sheridan's Cavalry. By the 
orders of March 27th General Warren was to march at 
3 a. m. on the 29th and, crossing Hatcher's Run at W. 
Perkin's house, thence to march to the junction of the 
Old Stage Road and the Vaughn Road and from that point 
to open communications with the Second Corps, having 
accomplished which he was to move to a position in the 
vicinity of Dinwiddie Court House. These orders were 
subsequently somewhat modified. How near these days 
were to the end no one realized, though Grant had been 
exceedingly apprehensive that Lee would endeavor to 



278 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

move out from his entrenchments and, if possible, effect 
a junction with Johnston to the southward, yet not even 
his far seeing mind reaHzed that less than two weeks 
separated these late March days from the final wind-up. 
History is to be made rapidly in the coming days; Sheri- 
dan is to "push things," and the latest enlisted man is to 
march and fight feeling that every step and blow are 
telling against the effort to disrupt the Union. 

The right of Lee's army is the object that Sheridan and 
his forces are seeking. He has his cavalry well in hand 
and had asked for the Sixth Corps, having in the Valley 
learned some of its qualities, but that Corps was so placed 
in the entrenched lines that its withdrawal was imprac- 
ticable, and the Fifth was sent instead. Proverbially 
rainy, March of 1865 outdid itself and so watered the 
scene of hostilities that movements of any kind seemed 
almost impossible. *Warren's advance began at 3 a. m. on 
the 29th according to schedule, General Joshua L. Chamber- 
lain commanding the First Brigade of Griffin's (first) 
Division in the lead; the crossing was made by pontoons 
over Rowanty Creek, the name given to the stream made 
by the union of Hatcher's and Gravelly Runs. The 
Corps was halted at the Quaker Road whence, to insure 
against surprise, advance guards and supports were 
pushed to within two miles of Dinwiddle Court House. 
At 10.12 a. m. Warren was ordered by General Meade to 
move up the Quaker Road to Gravelly Run and thence 
to throw out parties to the right that he might find the left 
of Humphrey, commanding the second Corps. At noon 
he was ordered to cross the Run and advance to Boydton 
Plank Road which was done, though considerable delay was 
occasioned by reason of the stream not being fordable 
and the laying of a pontoon bridge was hindered by the 
exceptional steepness of the banks of the stream. About 
this time the enemy was developed and his skirmishers 



*Condensed from a paper prepared by Captain Charles H. Porter and read 
by him before the Massachusetts Military Historical Society January 11, 1886. 



March 29, '65 Petersburg 279 

were driven back till near the junction of the Quaker 
and Boydton Roads. Here, supported by Gregory ot 
Griffin's Second Birgade, Chamberlain attacked and drove 
the rebels beyond the junction. It was about 6 p. m. 
when the assault was made, the sun being about half an 
hour high. Pushing on rapidly to the Plank Road we 
went into bivouac at nine o'clock, holdmg the Plank 
Road from Gravelly Run to near Rainey's house where 
Griffin halted for the night, his pickets on the right reachmg 
those of the Second Corps. 

Sergt Wm. A. Mentzer, Company A, recalls that m 
falling back he and his tentmate, I. H. Mitchell, in their 
anxiety to get a few more shots at the foe stopped behmd 
an old shed, but they waited a bit too long, for the Rebels 
were near enough to get a cross fire on them, on which 
they started back in a hurry, but within a very few rods 
Mitchell got a shot which went right through him; how- 
ever, his height was just right to enable him to throw his 
arm over Mentzer's shoulder and thus they weathered 
the storm of bullets, which, he said, made the mud through 
which they were running fairly bubble, for the enemy was 
determined to get them, and glad enough they were to 
reach the reformed line of the Regiment. Mitchell s 
wound healed all right and in 1913 he survives with his 
Sergeant to tell the story. r- -ca ^ 

From right to left, the Fifth Corps divisions are Griffin s, 
Ayres's and Crawford's, the latter in which was the thirty- 
ninth being nearest Gravelly Run. During the night 
began the severe rain already alluded to, coming in torrents 
till the afternoon of the 31st. Full of swamps and ravines, 
the sand and clay were easily transformed into quick- 
sands; much of the way was quite impassable unless cord- 
uroyed; a part of the land was covered with dense forest 
and undergrowth, so that being very flat the water was 
quickly carried off. Rowanty Creek, over which the 
Corps had gone on the 29th, rose so rapidly that on the 
30th the pontoon bridge was one hundred feet too short 



280 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

and the wagons of the Corps had to wait until mid-day of 
the 31st. Notwithstanding this condition, Grififiin's Divi- 
sion was advanced up the Boydton Road until the enemy 
was driven into his main line of works along the White 
Oak Road. During the 30th, the Thirty-ninth Regiment 
was on the skirmish line all day while those behind were 
busy entrenching, though the work was slow since all the 
tools that could be obtained belonged to the pioneers, 
those in the wagons not being available, as stated before. 
It was observed, as an interesting fact, that the advance 
was then occupying substantially the same position held 
by Hancock in October of the preceding year. On this 
30th of March, General Ayres, according to directions, 
sent out one of his brigades on a reconnoisance ; his advance 
reached the Holliday house without opposition, crossing 
a stream which was to play an important part in the 
operations of the next day, going over the same with so 
much ease that he did not deem it worthy of mention as 
an obstacle in his report, though then the rain was falling 
furiously. Meanwhile Crawford and his Third Division 
had relieved the two remaining brigades of Ayres's Division 
and now occupied the line from Gravelly Run to Rainey's 
house. 

During these movements the proceedings of the enemy 
were quite visible and from captures made by our troops 
it was learned that there was a considerable tendency of 
the Confederates towards Five Forks. In reporting this 
information to headquarters, Warren suggested that Griffin 
be relieved by Humphreys and that the entire Fifth Corps 
should support the advance of Ayres, intimating that, if 
allowed to do this, he could effectually block the White 
Oak Road and prevent its further use by the enemy. 
At 9 p. m. orders were received substantially in accord with 
General Warren's proposition, and Warren at once dis- 
posed of his forces so that Ayres should lead, supported 
by Crawford and Griffin whenever the arrival of Hum- 
phrey would permit. At 8.15, in the morning of the 31st, 




Lieut. Colonel Henry M. Tremlett 
Brevet Colonel 



March 31, '65 Petersburg 281 

Ayres is Informed by General Warren that Merritt's cav- 
alry has been driven from the White Oak Road and that 
he must observe his left with the utmost care lest the 
enemy assail him from the west as well as from the north, 
a possibility at every step of the movement from the 
Rapidan southward. Still heavily falls the rain, diminutive 
brooks become swiftly flowing streams and ordinary creeks 
speedily grow to be roaring torrents. 

It was 10.30 when Ayres's advance was made, but it 
seemed that the emeny was like minded with the Union 
Army and he too was approaching with a far larger force 
than that of the Federals. The Union line slowly with- 
drew to its original position while other troops were 
hurried to its support but without avail and to add to the 
dangers of the situation a heavy column of the enemy was 
discovered approaching from the west. Unable to with- 
stand the Confederate advance, our lines gave way in 
considerable confusion. Crawford's Third Division was 
thrown into the breach but was too unsteady to stay, and 
so fell into the general retreat before the enemy. The 
Thirty-ninth had been thrown forward as skirmishers, 
they were known as the skirmishers for the Brigade, being 
near the Holliday house and holding their place with 
steadiness, but, outflanked by the enemy, of necessity they 
fell back with the rest. General Baxter, commanding the 
Brigade, strengthened the line of the Thirty-ninth with the 
Eleventh Pennsylvania, both regiments being composed of 
hardened campaigners who did their best; but the odds 
were too great and they slowly gave way, expecting to rally 
on the division which, however, had fallen back to the 
branch of Gravelly Run. Lieut. Colonel Tremlett who, as 
a member of the Twentieth Regiment, had been inducted 
into battle at Ball's Bluff, here received his mortal wound 
and was borne from the field. Captain Willard C. Kinsley, 
Company K, was also mortally wounded and the command 
of the regiment devolved upon Captain Cooper of Com- 
pany F. 



282 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

When General Warren reached the scene of conflict and 
realized the situation he seized the flag of a Pennsylvania 
regiment and rode up and down the lines, trying to stem 
the retreat but without avail, it being evident that the 
men would not stop on the western side of the branch of 
Gravelly Run, mentioned in the advance of Ayres on the 
30th. Still waving his flag and trying to halt the men on 
the eastern side of the stream, he succeeded in once more 
forming a well ordered line and the approach of the enemy 
was effectually withstood and Griflin's men recrossing the 
branch drove the enemy back. By this time Humphreys, 
still further to the east, sent reinforcements so that the 
rebels were effectually prevented from making any further 
serious attack. At 2.30 in the afternoon the Union Army 
again advanced and effectually drove the enemy back over 
all the ground won in the forenoon and never halted until 
it was on the White Oak Road, the Confederates them- 
selves saying it was one of the most gallant charges that 
they had ever seen. "Crawford now reached the road 
and, following the line of the rebel entrenchment to the 
east, connected with Miles of the Second Corps, who had 
advanced and driven the enemy into their works to the 
east and to the Plank Road." Ayres also had not fired a 
musket in this advance, was halted just before reaching the 
road, and, still covering the left near the house of W. 
Dabney, looked down the road towards Five Forks. The 
enemy had failed in his effort to double up the Union left 
and what was worse for him had lost the White Oak Road 
and was effectually penned up within his works. 

All this time Sheridan was having more trouble than 
usually fell to the lot of Little Phil. He was near Din- 
widdle Court House and the cavalry of the enemy was mak- 
ing a more stubborn showing than was their wont, indeed 
the men in blue were yielding to those in gray and late in 
the afternoon, Warren sent a brigade (Bartlett's) of Grif- 
fin's Division to Sheridan's relief, this being the first of 



April 1, '65 Petersburg 283 

the Fifth Corps to move to the assistance of Sheridan in 
response to his call for infantry. 

April 1st, so often mingled in Anglo Saxon minds with 
fooleries of all descriptions, was one of intense earnestness 
to the long time rivals along that line, reaching from the 
other or further side of James River to Five Forks, a dis- 
tance of nearly or quite forty miles. Good Bishop Berke- 
ley's aphorism as to the Star of Empire and its western way 
has another application as General Ord and his divisions 
from the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Corps leave the 
north side of the James to Weitzel and his colored troops, 
and moving westward occupy space to the left of the 
Sixth; from the right of the latter, Parke and the Ninth 
Corps extend to the James. Humphreys and the Second 
Corps are between Ord and the Fifth Corps, while Sheridan 
and his troopers are at the extreme left, making sure that 
the Confederates shall not escape to the southward. So 
generally have the rebel lines been reduced at Lee's left, 
it seems strange that the Union troops in that locality did 
not advance into the all but empty trenches. A wonder- 
fully alert line of men is that which, looking northward, 
sees the earthworks which must be stormed, and that 
right early. The showing of Confederate cavalry at the 
Union left, with the constant coming of infantry, demands 
its destruction and this is the task that Sheridan has set 
for himself on this day. 

The last day of March saw Sheridan at the close of a day 
not entirely to his liking, and a portion of the Fifth Corps 
was hurrying to his aid. General Horace Porter in his 
"Campaigning with Grant" says, "The Fifth Corps had 
borne the brunt of the fighting ever since the army had 
moved out on March 29th; and the gallant men who com- 
posed it, and who had performed a conspicuous part in 
nearly every battle in which the Army of the Potomac 
had been engaged, seemed eager once more to cross bay- 
onets with their old antagonists. But the movement was 
slow, the required formation seemed to drag, and Sheridan, 



284 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

chafing with impatience and consumed with anxiety, 
became as restive as a racer struggling to make the start. " 
For many reasons the advance of Warren's men towards 
Five Forks was slow; Ayres and the Second Division went 
first and reported to Sheridan or one of the latter's staff 
officers before daylight of the 1st; under orders, the com- 
mands of Grifiin and Crawford began their march towards 
Five Forks before daylight of the 1st. The movement 
was made with considerable caution because of information 
as to the positions of the enemy, stated the night before by 
Sheridan, and with consequent slowness. At 7 and 8 a. m. 
respectively Griffin's and Crawford's Divisions halted and 
were permitted to cook their breakfasts and to rest, General 
Warren halting with them. In the formation of the Corps 
finally, Crawford was on the right, Ayres on the left with 
Griffin massed in rear of Crawford's right flank; Baxter's 
Brigade in which the Thirty-ninth was ranged held the 
extreme right of the Third Division. 

The orders were to advance to the White Oak Road and 
to swing to the left, keeping the sun over the left shoulder. 
W^hen the advance was made it was found that the line was 
half a mile too far to the right and a readjustment was 
necessary. In this effort, Crawford's Division was thrown 
directly into the air and it seemed as though he were 
marching away from the field. General Warren* hastened 



Governour Kemble Warren was born in Cold Spring, Putnam Co., N. Y., 
January 8, 1830, and was graduated from West Point, No. 2, in a class of 
forty-four members, very few of whom, however, are known to fame, Cuvier 
Grover and Powell T. Wyman being the most noted among his loyal class- 
mates and Wm. T. Magruder and Robert Ransom among the rebels. Assigned 
on graduation to the Topographical Engineers, he was in constant and active 
service till his appointment as mathematical instructor at West Point, 1859, 
and there the Rebellion found him. At first he was Lieut. Colonel of the Fifth 
(Duryea's Zouaves), N. Y. Volunteers, soon succeeding to the colonelcy; 
he was the last to leave the field at Big Bethel, remaining to rescue the body of 
Lieut. J. T. (ireble, the first Regular Army officer to lose his life in the war. 
He helped build the forts on Federal Hill, Baltimore. He served in the Penin- 
sular Campaign, acquiring a brigade in May, '62, and, in the subsequent 
months, there was very little doing by the Army of the Potomac in which he 
did not bear a conspicuous part. His bronze figure on Little Round Top must 
forever tell the story of his watchfulness and alertness at Gettysburg and the 



Apr. 1, '65 Petersburg 285 

to rearrange the confused line, an effort not unaccompanied 
witli difficulty. In this particular movement, as a regiment 
in the Third Division, the Thirty-ninth bore its part and 
of this Captain Charles H. Porter says: — 

After getting over the White Oak Road we never saw any clear- 
ing of any description until we came over the cleared field in which 
were the chimneys of some houses, which is marked "chimneys" 
on the map. We swung to the north of those chimneys and as 
the line came around we went into the woods again. Coulter, 
who had been in reserve, was now on the line of battle and con- 
nected with the Second Brigade, Baxter's. 

It was a very wide sweep that the Third Division made 
and in its progress a battery was captured, the division 
being under fire all of the time, and this advance of Craw- 
ford's men caused an evacuation of the enemy's entrench- 
ments. Again quoting Captain Porter, we have: — 

As the Third Division neared Five Forks, under orders from 
General Warren, the troops were faced west and we pushed on 
with our left a little north of the White Oak Road, and when we 
reached the clearing known as Gilliams' we found the enemy had 
made a final stand and erected temporary earthworks at right 
angles to their original lines. The men being out of breath and 
the formation somewhat broken, the troops halted and opened a 
desultory fire upon the enemy. General Warren, hastening up, 
quickly discovered the cause of the delay and, after giving a little 
time to the reforming of the troops, a very good line was formed, 
and under the gallant leadership of him who had commanded us 
for more than a year the troops sprang forM^ard and carried the 
works. General Warren's horse was shot under him, directly 
astride the works; and Lieut. Colonel Richardson received the 
bullet that would have struck our beloved corps commander. By 
this time, the night was well upon us, and, the enemy being 
thoroughly dispersed, the troops were halted and General War- 
ren sent one of his staff to find General Sheridan and to ask for 

members of the Fifth Army Corps, to a man, never failed to chant his praises. 
The incident of his suspension from his command at Five Forks is a blot on 
the fame of Sheridan and made Warren's place in the hearts of his followers 
warmer than ever. A skillful engineer, he was constantly employed in the army 
up to the time of his death, which no doubt was hastened by the unfortunate 
occurrence of April, '65. His relations with the Thirty-ninth, after the war, 
were of an unusually intimate character. He died in Newport, R. I., August 
8, 1882. 



286 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

further orders. The aide reached Sheridan and received in reply 
the words that orders had been sent to Warren, and not long 
after Bankhead's return, Colonel Forseyth arrived with the or- 
der from Sheridan relieving Warren from the command of the 
corps. 

Thus on the field of battle after the most successful day's 
work that he had ever taken part in, Warren was deprived of the 
command of the corps which he had commanded since March, 1864, 
and a position which he had earned by soldierly courage and 
brilliant conduct on many fields. Beginning at Great Bethel, his 
name is associated with every field upon which the Army of the 
Potomac was engaged. The insulting remark and the tone and 
gestures of Sheridan, when he alluded to Warren's services on 
this day, are a disgrace to this brilliant man. There is no excuse 
nor palliation for them. The most ardent friend that Sheridan 
has cannot explain away the insult conveyed to one of the bravest 
and most devoted of soldiers in the Army of the Potomac. 

Crawford's Division suffered more than the other portions of 
the corps, its casualties being nearly equal to those of the other two 
divisions. We came under fire as soon as any of the corps and con- 
tinued to be under fire until after the attack on Gilliam's field. 

Long years after the war Sergt. Wm, A. Mentzer of 
"A" was wont to tell of seeing Sheridan at Five Forks 
with his Staff, riding along the rear of our lines, shouting, 

"See the Sons of B s run! Give them H — L, boys!" 

"After going a little way into the woods we came to the 
rear of the Rebel works, where I saw a lad behind the same 
firing at our folks. Jamming on my bayonet I jumped 
to the works and ordered him to come out; he looked up 
and had the impudence, with a smile on his face, to say, 
T wish you would let me fire these five cartridges.' I 
think I swore some and told him I'd put the bayonet 
right through him unless he came out at once, and he came. 
When going to the rear with my prisoner I saw General 
Warren riding the same way, but not till the next morning 
did I know that our great and good leader had been relieved 
of his command." 

April 2d, as usual when the most important military 
operations are to be undertaken, is Sunday and at 4.45 a. m. 
signal guns announced the general advance of the Union 



Apr. 2, '65 Petersburg 287 

forces in front of Petersburg, from the Appomattox to Five 
Forks and beyond. Within half an hour, Wright of the 
Sixth Corps sends word to Grant that he has carried the 
enemy's Hues in front of his position, and Parke of the 
Ninth reports that he has captured the outer works with 
artillery and 800 prisoners, and, before seven o'clock, the 
Lieut. General telegraphs President Lincoln at City Point 
the good news. This is the day in which Richmond, the 
Confederate Capital, lulled into fancied security, quite 
ignorant of the havoc along the Petersburg lines, is actually 
attending church and President Davis is summoned from 
his pew in St. Paul's church with the overwhelming news 
that the Yankees are coming. How pandemonium broke 
loose, how the iron clads and other ships in the James 
River were destroyed ; how the three bridges which spanned 
the James were burned; and Richmond, itself, by a fire 
set by the Confederates and extinguished by the Union 
troops, suffered worse than Columbia from the alleged 
inhumanity of Sherman — all this is history. Every man 
who wore the blue seemed to have a mission to find some- 
one in gray and the latter, be it said to his everlasting credit, 
was nothing loath to be found. 

Until the afternoon of the 2d, the Fifth Corps was em- 
ployed on the field of Five Forks in caring for the wounded, 
burying the dead and destroying the old arms of the cap- 
tured Confederates. After these accomplishments the 
Corps, now under General Griffin, received orders to pro- 
ceed towards Petersburg, Chamberlain's Brigade of Bart- 
lett's Division (till yesterday. Griffin's) leading. Whatever 
opposition was encountered, it was speedily swept away 
and, at Church Road Crossing of the South Side Railroad, 
fifteen miles from Petersburg, a passing train of cars was 
captured. Crossing the railroad he was ordered to push 
out if possible to the Cox Road, crossing the line of march 
at right angles. The First Division continued towards 
Sutherland Station, still nearer Petersburg, while Craw- 
ford's coming up, at about 3 p. m., went over the road 



288 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

with cheers, thence passing down the same about seven 
miles it turned to the left, marching till 6.30 before halting 
for the night. In some places the stream at which the stop 
was made is called Namozine while General Humphreys' 
map has it Whipponock and here some annalist says the 
enemy got combative during the evening and the Thirty- 
ninth, as usual, went out on skirmish duty, when a few shots 
seemed to settle the matter for the rebels, of whom nothing 
more was heard during the night. 

The great Confederate army that had withstood our on- 
slaughts so many years is clearly trying to escape "on the 
run' ' is the thought in the minds of those who follow. 
The Union cavalry, led by the fiery Custer, is keeping the 
rear guard of the enemy in plain sight and the infantry is 
following as rapidly as it can. With the exception of Will- 
cox's Division of the Ninth Corps, which is occupying 
Petersburg, the entire Potomac Army is in the chase; it is 
the day when Godfrey Weitzel marches into Richmond 
and extinguishes the conflagration started by the retiring 
foe; President Lincoln, leading his son, Tad, enters Peters- 
burg and personally congratulates Grant on the great 
victory; of the meeting General Horace Porter says, "I 
doubt whether Mr. Lincoln ever experienced a happier 
moment in his life." The Fifth Corps follows hard after 
the cavalry, picking up many prisoners with five pieces 
of abandoned artillery and a number of wagons. At night, 
with Crook's Division of cavalry, the Corps encamps on 
the Nazomine Road, near Deep Creek. Oh the morning 
of the 4th, the Corps moves directly and rapidly towards 
Jetersville, a station on the Richmond and Danville R. R., 
Sheridan thinking that the rebels are collecting at Amelia 
Court House about eight miles northeast of Jetersville. 
On arriving we are ordered to entrench with a view of 
holding the point until the main army can come up. The 
position of the Corps is an exposed one, of which Sheridan 
in his report says, "The enemy lost its last chance of 
escape by failure to advance and attack the comparatively 



Apr. 4, '65 Petersburg 289 

small force and so march on its way to Burkevllle. " 
However, luckily for the troops at Jetersville, the Con- 
federates are not reaching the Court House as rapidly as 
Sheridan thinks and by the afternoon of the 5th, the 
Second and the Sixth Corps are up and ranged in line with 
the Fifth. While not described in detail, the whole world 
knows that everybody was busy in those days with scant 
time for sleep at night, but through the bewildering maze 
of horse and foot, it is ours to follow only the men of a 
single corps and that the Fifth. Many a page might be 
given to reciting the incidents of Sailor's Creek, the last 
pitched battle in the East, but our regiment was not in it. 
At last Sheridan had obtained his wish and the Sixth Corps, 
having been sent to him, wins renown in this final struggle, 
while the Fifth moves off at the right of the Second through 
Paineville on Deatonville. It proved a long, rapid and 
tiresome march, a distance of thirty- two miles to Ligon- 
town Ferry, experiencing no greater variety on the way 
than the destruction of abandoned army wagons, gun 
carriages and caissons of the enemy and the capture of 
some prisoners. 

Says Powell in his History of the Fifth Army Corps, 
"No army in the world could stand such losses as Lee was 
meeting every day, and no troops could long endure the 
strain and fatigue of marching all night and fighting by 
day, as Lee's men were now enduring. They were by this 
time deprived of everything, even food, and those captured 
presented a pitiable condition." Though the slumbers of 
the Union Army are not as prolonged as they may have 
been at other times, nevertheless there are halts and rations 
are had, and with full stomachs and a boundless supply of 
ammunition the pursuit is maintained. Friday, the 7th, 
General Meade orders Griffin with the Fifth Corps to pro- 
ceed to Prince Edward Court House while the Second and 
the Sixth keep up the direct pursuit. Our Corps crosses 
the South side R. R. at Rice's Station, just fifty miles 
west of Petersburg and forty from Appomattox. General 



290 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Grant's first letter to General Lee, relative to surrender, 
bears the date of the 7 th and the answer of the great 
Confederate, asking for terms, Is dated the same day. 
Whatever his intentions, Lee does not await the statement 
of Grant, but pushes on through the night towards the 
west on his hopeless task. The morning of the 8th beholds 
the tireless Second Corps, closely followed by the Sixth, in 
eager pursuit. The Fifth Corps also has an early start and 
striking the Lynchburg R. R. at Prospect Station, twenty 
miles from Appamattox, at about noon, follows thence 
Ord's forces towards Appomattox Court House and at 
2 a. m. of the 9th, Sunday, bivouacks about two miles 
from the site of the Immortal scene so soon to be anacted, 
having marched twenty-nine miles from Prince Edward's 
Court House. 

Meantime, on the 8th, Grant and Lee had again ex- 
changed courtesies, the former writing to Lee that his sur- 
render could be accepted only on the understanding that 
his soldiers should not take up arms against the United 
States until properly exchanged, and the famous Virginia 
names the 9th as the day for their meeting, stipulating 
however that It need not necessarily lead to his surrender, 
and 10 a. m. as the hour. All this Is not known to the rank 
and file, who for ought they know are still due for weeks of 
marching and fighting, though for the last few days there 
has been considerably more of the former than of the 
latter. Accordingly there was no surprise abroad when 
the familiar assembly call rang out on the morning air of 
the 9th and without rations the day before, or breakfast 
this morning, at four o'clock, the Corps moved from Its 
bivouac and reached the headquarters of General Sheridan 
at 6 a. m. The cavalry evidently was hotly engaged and 
the Twenty-fourth Corps was moving out when Ayers of 
the Fifth (Second Div.), followed by Bartlett and the 
First Division, took position also. General Grifiin reported 
that the failure of the Third Division to be in line with 
the others was entirely the fault of the commander, though 



Apr. 9, '65 Petersburg 291 

he had been notified of the necessity of keeping well closed 
up; as a result the division did not reach its proper position 
till after hostilities for the day were over. 

The 9th day of April will figure in history as one of the 
most important dates ever recorded; the correspondence, 
now passing between Grant and Lee, will rank with the 
other all but sacred documents in our national records. 
Hostilities had begun and our lines were pressing forward, 
driving the enemy, when a message was received from 
Sheridan that fighting should cease as the Conferederates 
were about to surrender. On the scenes that follow — 
those beneath the famous apple tree and within the parlor 
of Wilmer McLean, where foemen "worthy of their steel" 
were assembled — it does not behoove us to linger, for they 
are as familiar as household tales throughout the land. 
The two pre-eminent figures, those of Grant and Lee, meet 
face to face, each one increasing the esteem in which he 
must be held as long as the Nation lives. 

"These in the robings of glory 

Those in the gloom of defeat, 
All with the battle-blood gory, 

In the dusk of eternity meet." 
While the great majority of the triumphant army, 
setting their faces homeward, start on the return march 
the next day after the surrender, to the troops of General 
Ord and the First Division of the Fifth Corps is entrusted 
the honor as well as task of receiving the formal "laying 
down of arms" by the beaten Confederates. This crowning 
event does not take place until the 12th, the Fourth anni- 
versary of the firing upon Sumpter, when at nine o'clock in 
the morning General Joshua L. Chamberlain of Maine, 
having asked for the services of his old Brigade, the Third, 
had the same ranged in line to receive the oncoming 
Southrons. "It was not long before a column of gray was 
seen marching down the valley which sent a thrill of excite- 
ment through every individual present. The Union troops 
were brought to attention. Evans' Brigade of Gordon's 



292 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Corps led the advance of the Confederates. As its head 
reached the extreme right of Chamberlain's line, it was 
wheeled into company line first and subsequently into 
general line confronting the Union troops. Then each 
regiment stacked arms, unslung cartridge boxes and hung 
them on the stacks, and finally laid down their colors. 
It was a trying scene. And then, disarmed and colorless, 
they again broke into column and marched off, disappearing 
forever as soldiers of the Southern Confederacy."* 

While to the Fifth Corps came the honor of receiving 
the formal surrender of the Confederates the fact that the 
men had to linger here, at least some of them, until the 15th 
brought upon them certain hardships, disagreeable in 
spite of their pleasure over the successful ending of the 
campaign. For some reason, perhaps the destruction of 
bridges on the route, supplies did not reach the army, so 
that there was positive suffering on account of lack of food. 
Only a few days before, hungry rebel stomachs had been 
filled through the foresight and kindness of Grant, and 
now the victorious Yankees are experiencing want them- 
selves; somehow there comes to mind the Scriptural ex- 
pression, "He saved others, himself He cannot save." 
To crown all, a severe rain fell during the 14th, so without 
tents and minus rations, the soldiers passed a miserable 
day and night. It was about noon of the 15th, that the 
Corps began its retrograde movement, but the rain had 
rendered the roads well nigh impassable, hence the course 
backward had few of the features of a triumphal pro- 
cession, everyone being on the lookout for expected rations, 
but none arrived, and after dark came the orders to halt, 
break ranks and make the best of the situation for the 
night; meanwhile the rain was falling incessantly. The 
16th dawned cold and raw and under the circumstances 
the men were as comfortable when marching as when 
nominally resting. At noon the Appomattox was reached 



*From the history of the Fifth Army Corps, William H. Powell, pp. 863-4. 



Apr. 14, '65 Petersburg 293 

and, on a temporary bridge it was crossed, and soon after 
Farmville was gained, a place more conspicuous in history 
than in fact. 

Here, at 4 p. m., came the dispatch announcing the death 
of President Lincoln and the already discouraged men had 
a deeper pitch of woe to bear, naturally the rank and file 
of them ascribing the assassination to the Confederate 
leaders rather than to a half-crazed actor. It is said that 
to properly drape their colors, some of the bearers actually 
dipped their handkerchiefs in ink. The next day, Monday, 
the I7th, the homeward route was resumed by way of 
Burkeville, and on the 21st the Second Brigade encamped 
at Blacks & Whites Station on the Southside R. R. Evi- 
dently the Fifth Corps was distributed along the road, 
for Powell mentions Sutherland Station, near Petersburg, 
as the camping place, reaching the same on the 23d; 
and a diarist of the Thirty-ninth, who was at corps head- 
quarters, places the same at Nottoway Court House. 
However placed, in due time the army learned of the 
surrender of Johnston in North Carolina on the 26th. 
Here too were welcomed back many of the men who were 
captured in the Weldon R. R. incident, among them 
being Major F. R. Kinsley upon whom devolved the com- 
mand of what was left of the Regiment. 

We observed May Day by breaking camp and resuming 
the march towards the North, passing through Petersburg 
on the 3d, taking hurried glances at what had occasioned 
us so many months of toil and danger. The James River 
was reached at Manchester, just across from Richmond, 
so as to pass through the former Capital of the Con- 
federacy on Saturday, the 6th, taking note in passing of 
Libby Prison, Castle Thunder and the State House. 
Near the latter to review the Army of the Potomac, 
excepting the Sixth Corps, were standing Generals Meade, 
Henry Wager Halleck and other officers. The Sixth 
Corps was still doing guard duty along the railroad, be- 
tween Burkeville and Danville. On the 9th, we pass over 



294 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

the famous battlefield of Fredericksburg where Massa- 
chusetts regiments suffered so severely. We cross the 
Rappahannock on pontoons below the city, this being 
our tenth and last time, and Friday, the 12th of May, 
beheld us on Arlington Heights, near Fort Albany and 
almost on the very spot of our first camping ground 
when, in September, '62, we crossed the Potomac and 
entered the enemy's country, thus ending where we 
began. What days of wearisome marching, long and 
dreary vigils on picket line and vidette, what dangers of 
the embattled field the interval covers! The extended 
line marks our duties along the Potomac, in Washington, 
from Harper's Ferry to Antietam and thence southward 
to the Rapidan, with a backward turning to Bull Run 
and Thoroughfare Gap, through the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania and Petersburg, the pursuit, surrender and return, 
till now the circle is complete. With so much behind us, 
what wonder that visions of home become more and 
more absorbing! 

However, there yet remained the Grand Review for which 
in part Sherman's Army had made the trip from North 
Carolina, and it was an inspiring sight to see the many 
tents of the men who had made the world-famous "March 
to the Sea" as they were spread over the heights back of 
Alexandria. Very likely the Review was worth all it cost, 
but to the men who had to undergo the fatigue incident 
to it, there was no little bitter mingled with the sweet; 
some even claimed that the exhibition of Tuesday, the 
23d, when the Potomac Army marched in review was the 
most exacting they had ever taken and they thought it was 
for the express and only purpose of gratifying a sight- 
seeing proclivity of certain authorities well up the line; 
Sherman's men paraded on the 24th. The next night, 
that of the 25th, there was an illumination by the Army 
of the Potomac, candles being lighted on every tent and 
rockets were sent up. The brigades turned out, every 
man carrying a candle and thus marched to corps head- 



May 23, '65 Petersburg 295 

quarters, where hearty cheers were given for General 
Griffin. For the remainder of the month there is Httle 
more than a waiting for the final muster-out and occasional 
visits to Washington, Alexandria and other near-by points 
of interest. 

The coming of June simply intensified the home-longing 
and the feeling that we must go very soon. The ceremony 
of muster-out began on the 2d, terminating on the 3d, on 
whose night comes the statement that we will depart at 
8 a. m. of the 4th. According to schedule, we start, the 
day being Sunday, and march into Washington and there 
wait till 2 p. m., when the train is taken for Baltimore; 
the same proved to be a slow one for we do not reach the 
city until five o'clock. Then comes the march through 
Baltimore, the boarding of another train and an all night's 
ride to Philadelphia, arriving in time for a breakfast at 
the Cooper Shop, whose hospitality we had tested on our 
way southward in September, '62. Thence we ride through 
New Jersey to New York city, where a lunch is furnished 
by the New England Relief Association, before going on 
board a steamer bound for Providence, whence by rail we 
reach Boston early in the morning of the 6th. The wait in 
Boston is very short and another train transports us to 
Readville at 8 a. m. and we are assigned to quarters there. 
By a singular coincidence Lieut. Colonel Tremlett who 
had been severely wounded at Gravelly Run, March 31st, 
and was sent home to Boston, dies this very day in his 
Beacon Street home. While passes were readily given to the 
homes represented, all were glad to return and receive their 
discharges and pay on the 14th of June. Thus ends the 
story of devotion and sacrifice of a regiment that had gone 
forth to help save the Union and whose members now are 
returning to the paths of peace. They have made an honor- 
able record, not alone pleasing to themselves but to the 
hundreds of those to follow and who, in the years to come, 
will call their memory blessed. 



296 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

They are returning to their homes, 

"Where the matron shall clasp her first-born 

With tears of joy and pride; 
And the scarred and war-worn lover 

Shall claim his promised bride!" 

— Bryant. 



IN REBEL PRISONS. 

While men of the Thirty-ninth suffered in nearly all 
of the prison-houses of the South, the greater number 
spent their periods of confinement in Salisbury, N. C. 
The two hundred and thirty-two swept off August 18-19, 
'64, at the Weldon R. R., after incarceration at Libby 
and Belle Isle, were taken to Salisbury and there spent 
the time till their liberation in February, '65. Among the 
unfortunates was John H. Eames who was First Sergt. 
Co. C, and whose diligent care secured the data concerning 
his fellow sufferers which perfected the State House rolls 
and gave the boon of certainty to many a stricken home 
in the old Bay State. His tabulated statement bears the 
following names: — 

Company A:— Serg'ts, J. W. Cottrell, J. P. Dodge; 
Corp's, T. Bean, G. W. Cole, S. C. Packard; Privates, 
F. D. Adams, G. J. Boodry, G. W. Burnham, W. S. Evans, 
J. K. Gibbs, C. M. Goodwin, A. S. Haskell, R. E. Mears, 
W. Hunting, J. H. Mitchell, D. F. Morse, L. Marteau, 
W. Myers, L. E. Ordway, J. H. Perkins, J. M. Sawyer, 
E. Stevens, G. F. Whitcomb. 

Company B: — Serg'ts, E. S. Davis, J. R. Robinson; 
Corp's, G. A. Andrews, E. H. Lewis; Privates, W. M. Bills, 
J. Cassidy, M. Cunningham, F. Edmonds, J. Gunning, J. 
Kilduff, Geo. McDonald, T. P. Mohan, P. Reaney, H. R. 
Smith, F. T. Start, D. O. Sullivan, Charles Swan, C. 
Wadsworth, J. Burns captured Dec. 11, 1864. 

Company C: — Serg'ts, J. H. Eames, I. T. Morrison; 
Privates, J. M. Baldwin, S. C. Bowen, Wm. Cheeney, F. J. 



In Rebel Prisons 297 

Curtis, E. C. Dean, B. J. Ellis, P. Gleason, E. Ireland, A. 
Joyce, J. Lange, J. McGee, M. F. Roberts, W. H. Rogers, 
W. S. Smith, Wm. Vaeight. 

Company D: — Serg't, H. Curtis; Corp's, W. H. Burns, 
W. E. Colburn, A. Derby, C. C. Dickerman, H. Newcomb, 
E. Thomas; Privates, F. Becker, A. Bullard, C. Bushnell, 

E. Damon, S. DeForrest, T. Doyle, J. Durgin, J, E. Forbes, 
J. F. Green, W. Hayden, D. Kanily, W. G. Keep, T. H. 
Lunt, P. Moran, E. Pierce, G. W. Savill, H. Shavlin, 
J. Sheehan. 

Company E: — Serg'ts, J. Kennedy, E. Ladd; Corp's, 

F. A. Glines, D. Gorham, J. E. Horton, W. L. Howard; 
Privates, J. M. Allen, W. H. Bartlett, J. Brown, J. B. 
Canfield, C. L. Carter, J. Creedan, Geo. H. Hatch, P. D. 
Horgan, C. G. Jones, D. Kendrick, J. F. Locke, A. W. 
Phillips, John Riley, T. P. Shaw, F. W. Thompson, L. 
Ulrich, J. Vancleff, H. K. Webster. 

Company F: — Serg'ts, W. Doherty, H. B. Horton, D. 
Wood; Corp's, J. Bagth, B. J. Hall; Privates, P. Conway, 
J. Day, W. E. Dean, G. W. Gay, J. A. Hathaway, B. L. 
Howland, W. H. Jones, D. S. Kane, J. A. Lawler, S. Packer, 
T. W. Paul, D. M. Phillips, F. C. Skinner, E. H. C. Smith, 
J. Smith, A. P. Terry, G. L. Titus, W. Walsh. 

Company G: — Serg'ts, J. Adams, H. C. French, W. H. 
Jacobs; Corp's, J. D. Day, P. J. Shaw, T. G. Short; Priv- 
ates, J. Bannon, W. Bright, C. Danbenmayer, W. G. Dodge, 
D. R. Ewell, M. Fitzgerald, C. E. French, M. Gorman, 

F. K. Hanson, Z. M. Hayden, H. F. Hersey, S. W. Hutch- 
ins, J. Kennedy, H. W. Leavitt, T. Murphy, J. S. Neal, 
S. V. Smith, C. A. Spaulding, E. A. Spear, N. W. Thayer. 

Company H: — Serg'ts, C. W. Richardson; Corp's, E. J. 
Childs, B. F. Prescott, S. O. Savil; Privates, J. Brunei, 
P. Collins, M. Dailey, J. Davis, J. Doody, J. Farren, R. T. 
Gammon, R. T. Holmes, T. Kelley, J. Keniston, E. F. 
Kimball, E. McCarthy, G. C. Millett, J. H. Millett, R. 
Monk, T. Murray, P. Shean, D. Southworth, F. H. Sumner, 

G. N. B. Thomas, E. Tileston. 



298 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Company I: — Serg'ts, E. Brown, J. Currier; Corp's, 
W. H. Beal, W. H. Clough, W. Collins, S. Hardy; Privates, 
W. L. Allen, J. D. Bisphan, C. B. Butterfield, D. O. 
Chamberlain, S. C. Chace, A. M. Cole, E. Curran, S. Gour- 
ley, T. Hoey, C. O'Brien, A. E. Smith, N. D. Stearns, F. E. 
Travis, C. H. Williams. 

Company K: — Corp., S. Richardson; Privates, J. Bacon, 
M. Baldwin, J. Brannagan, F. M. Bryand, M. Butler, C. H. 
Colgate, R. Curry, G. W. Dean, E. Haskins, S. T. Hooper, 
W. H. Jones, C. H. Kingsbury, A. Lapurve, J. F. Leslie, 
R. Lombard, J. McGuire, T. Mahony, T. Marren, T. W. 
Morrill, E. O'Donnell, Peter Parks, J. F. Ramsdell, M. D. 
Reed, A. H. Richardson, M, Rowland, C. Scott, J. H. Shee- 
han, F. Spokesfield, G. A. Sprague, E. O. Hemmenway cap- 
tured Dec. 11, 1864. 

In Sergeant Fames' well preserved record, on its final 
page, is written, — "This book I arranged while in prison 
from information from the members of the reg't and, to 
the best of my knowledge and belief, is strictly true. The 
leaves I purloined from the rebel surgeon's hospital book; 
the cover I carried through prison, having received it 
with, of course, the original leaves through the mail, 
Aug. 18, 1864." 

"Left Salisbury Prison at seven o'clock, Feb. 20, 1865; cars 
started for Greensboro at 8; we rode on top, very cold and slow 
riding; arrived at G. (fifty miles) at about 7 a. m. Changed 
cars and lay over until 7 p. m. Left for Danville, Va. ; slept nearly 
all night, reaching D. at daylight; changed cars and started 
immediately for Richmond, enjoying the prospect of homeward 
bound. Washington's birthday, Feb. 22; arrived in Richmond 
about 2 a. m. Waited till 9 a. m. when we were put into Libby 
Prison, remaining there till nine o'clock of the following morn- 
ing. Then we started by boat down the River, passing safely 
through the obstructions; saw two rebel rams, Fort Darling and 
other places of interest, reaching the landing (Aiken's) after 
two hours' sail, and were received by Yankee cavalry and escorted 
to the Yankee truce-boat, some 3 or 4 miles down the river; 
passed through the Eighteenth Corps, mostly colored troops, 
who used us finely giving us bread, tobacco, etc. On seeing the 



Corporal E. A. Glines' Diary 299 

good old Flag we felt that we were free again. We got to our 
boat all right, except wet feet and some weariness. We soon 
got the first drink of Yankee coffee for five months and more; 
it tasted splendidly and we got plenty to eat and felt like new 
men. We had a safe trip down the river, arriving at Annapolis 
Feb. 26, '65; started from Salisbury Prison, Monday; reach 
Annapolis Saturday. This journal was written on the way home, 
written under difficulties and excitement, and, as a consequence, 
is not very minute. 

"P. S. Many of the poor fellows who lived to leave prison, 
died soon after reaching home so that, at the time Lee surrendered 
as far as I could ascertain, four-fifths of those sent to Salisbury 
were dead, the remainder being more or less broken in health." 

CORPORAL F. A. GLINES' DIARY. 

Of the foregoing list, Glines, Horton and Locke, all of 
"E," kept diaries or some form of record, as did Corp. 
E. H. Lewis of "B," the first two until a few days before 
their deaths; Private Locke, after the war, embodied his 
recollections in a very interesting lecture, delivered by him 
many times. From all of these sources items have been 
gleaned through the body of the history and especially 
in the following pages. From the carefully preserved diary 
of Corporal F. A. Glines extracts are made as follows: — 

Fri., August 19, 1864 — Lay in line all night; moved a little to 
the right; were attacked and flanked and I, with the greater part 
of my reg't, was taken prisoner; were taken to Petersburg under 
guard; very rainy and muddy. 

Sat., 20 — Lay in a field all night; very wet, cold and uncom- 
fortable; were taken through the town and put on an island, at 
the north side of the Appomattox. 

Sun., 21 — Lay on the island all day; drew rations for one day; 
I had bread and a small piece of pork, full of worms. 

Mon., 22 — Were called up at 2 a. m.; left the island at 4; were 
put aboard the cars and sent to Richmond; are quartered in 
Libby Prison; drew rations for one day, half loaf corn-bread 
and a small piece fresh meat. 

Tues., 23 — Were sent across the street to another prison; were 
searched and all articles of any value were taken from us; were 
sent to Belle Isle this afternoon; met John Davis (H) here; am 
in the Forty-fifth Squad. 



300 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Wed., 24 — ^Very hot; are having tents put up forus; we have 
two meals a day; quarter loaf of corn bread at 10 a. m. and corn 
bread and soup at 3 p.m.; have to sleep on the ground with no 
covering. 

Thurs., 25 — Very hot and uncomfortable; signs of rain to-night; 
had only one meal to-day. 

Fri., 26 — Very heavy thunder-shower; last evening several 
men tried to escape; do not know how many succeeded; several 
shots fired at them; one man killed and three wounded. 

Sat., 27 — Sergt. French, Co. G., shot by the guard, one other 
man wounded; got our tents to-da5^ 

Sun., 28 — Very hot; were counted this morning. 

Mon., 29 — 2000 more prisoners sent here this afternoon; 
enlarging the space for prisoners. 

Thurs., Sept. 8 — My twenty-first birthday; pleasant weather. 

Fri., 9 — Were counted to-day; the squads, filled up, stayed out- 
side nearly all day; took different tents when we came in. 

Sat., 10 — Great fire in Manchester last night; great deal of 
dispute about tents. 

Thurs., Sept. 15 — Those men whose terms of service have ex- 
pired were sent for to-day and their names taken; there was 
quite a large number of them from nearly all the states. 

Fri., 16 — Slept cold last night; a warm day; the guard which 
has been guarding us has been relieved by a lot of old cocks who 
hardly know a gun from a broomstick; the old guard went off 
last night. 

Thurs., 22 — A Dutch reb lieutenant in here this afternoon, try- 
ing to enlist Germans in the reb. service; met with poor success 
the boys were too loyal for him; the guard-tents on the hill 
removed. 

Sun., 25 — A lot of our men went out to-day to work for the 
reb government as coopers, carpenters and shoemakers; they 
are a small loss to us; the fewer such men the government has, 
the better for us. 

Mon., 26 — Some of our men building breastworks for the rebs 
opposite the camp; it is a pity that they cannot be made to 
charge on them with rebs behind the works; did not get anything 
to eat till about 2 p. m. 

Tues., 27 — John Davis sent to the hospital ; a boat load of tents 
came over this morning. 

Wed., 28 — Counted this morning; two men buried themselves 
outside with the intention of escaping, but one of our men told 
the Lieutenant, who has kept them in their hole all day buried 
up to their necks. 



Corporal E. A. Glines' Diary 301 

Thurs., 29 — Heavy connonading in the direction of Fort Darl- 
ing; some excitement in Richmond; a battery planted opposite 
us, across the river; counted to-day; had to stay out nearly all 
day; got nothing to eat till evening; was very hungry and faint; 
new tents put in place of the old ones. 

Fri., 30 — It is six weeks to-day since we were "gobbled" and 
about as miserable a six weeks as ever I passed, but "nil desper- 
andum"; 670 prisoners sent here to-day, the greater part cap- 
tured at Winchester. 

Sat., October 1 — Very heavy cannonading in the direction of 
Fort Darling; a great deal of excitement in Richmond; the 
guards have orders to shoot us if we make any cheering or noisy 
demonstration; rained all day, passed a cold, miserable and 
comfortless day. 

Sun., 2 — Rained nearly all last night; some cannonading this 
morning; a man shot by the guard last night; cloudy nearly all 
day; the quartermaster and quartermaster sergeant of the 
island sent to Castle Thunder for selling rations. 

Mon., 3 — Another man shot by the guard this morning; about 
200 more prisoners were sent over here this evening from Libby. 

Tues., 4 — 1100 men were sent away from here this morning; 
said to be going further south; they were furnished with two 
days' rations. 

Wed., 5 — 600 more men sent off this morning. 

Thurs., 6 — 900 of us were turned out at 2 a. m. and furnished 
with two days' rations; marched off the island and lay till four 
o'clock just off the island, got aboard the cars on the Richmond 
and Danville R. R. and started en route for Salisbury, N. C. 

Fri., 7 — Rode on the cars all night, reaching Danville at 10 
a. m., a most painful ride; we were packed in like herrings; 
changed cars and reached Greensboro, N. C, at 10 p. m.; were 
marched out into a field for the night; very cold and windy. 

Sat., 8 — A very cold night, slept very little; left Greensboro this 
morning and reached Salisbury this evening, a very cold ride; 
100 men were packed into each car; have drawn no rations since 
Thursday morning. 

Sun., 9 — We are in a field of about ten acres, we have no 
shelter and have to sleep on the ground with no covering, drew 
rations this morning. Saw Captain Kinsley and the rest of the 
officers; they are in the field with us in log houses, separated 
from us by a guard. 

Mon., 10 — Did not sleep any last night, it was so cold; drew 
rations of half loaf of bread and a pint of boiled rice; 2000 more 
men sent here from Belle Isle. 



302 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Tues,, 11 — Slept in the house last night, quite comfortable; 
drew only half loaf of bread to-day; two men died last night; 
strong talk of paroling; guess it's only "chin." 

Wed., 12 — Water very scarce, went outside to-day with some 
dippers after water. 

Thurs., 13 — Slept in the house last night, slept very cold; 
drew rations of hard bread and rice soup to-day; the best rations 
we have drawn since we came here. 

Sun., 16 — During the night Captain Davis of the 155th New 
York Regiment was shot by the guard through the head, he 
was killed almost instantly. 

Wed., 19 — All the officers sent away this afternoon; 500 more 
prisoners sent here this evening from Danville, Va. Have been 
a prisoner two months to-day. 

Thurs., Nov. 10 — One of our squad fell into the well to-day 
and escaped almost miraculously with a sprained shoulder. 

Wed., 23 — Cleared off this morning; pleasant but very cold; 
Charley Jones died this morning at eight o'clock; Allen died at 
2 a. m. 

Thurs., 24 — Thanksgiving Day at home; we are on half rations 
to-day; a hard Thanksgiving day for us, but better times are 
coming, boys, "Wait a little longer!" 

Fri., 25 — Made a grand rush for freedom this noon, but we 
were driven back by the guard and about twenty-five or thirty 
were killed and wounded; we are on half rations again to-day. 

Sat., 26— Phillips died this morning; received a letter from 
home this evening. It seems good to hear from the dear ones at 
home; it was written Sept. 27. 

Mon., 28 — 146 colored prisoners came in yesterday from 
Richmond ; they have been captured about two months. 

Tues., 29 — A large number of our men going out to enlist 
in the rebel service. I am pretty hard up, but I am bound to 
stick to Uncle Sam. 

Fri., December 2 — Rather cloudy but comfortable day; full 
rations again to-day, bread, meat and rice soup, so I satisfied my 
hunger for the first time in a long time. 

Tues., 6 — 400 more prisoners arrived here yesterday, mostly 
cavalry captured in the Valley; 525 men enlisted in the reb 
service. 

Tues., 13—350 men enlisted in the reb service to-day; Thomp- 
son of our company went with them; he is the first man to enlist 
from our company. 

Wed., 14 — Slept in the hospital last night. 



Corporal John E. Horton's Diary 303 

Fri., 16 — 30 men from our Corps sent in here to-day; three are 
from our regiment and bring interesting news from the boys. 

The entry for the 16th was the last made by the young 
man, whose Somerville home was as pleasant and comfort- 
able as any which that most attractive place afforded; 
whose father was fretting at the absence of his son, yet the 
latter, putting duty to his country before all others, was 
faithful to the end and died on the 6th of January following, 
his body sleeping with nearly 13,000 others in a nameless 
grave. 

CORPORAL JOHN E. HORTON'S DIARY. 

Corporal John E, Horton was a very regular observer 
and chronicler of passing events, seldom If ever missing a 
day. The following extracts are given, not all that he 
wrote but rather where his records add to those already 
given from Corporal Gllnes' entries. A faithful husband 
and father, nearly every day has some reference to the wife 
and the baby boy In the far away home and on the 21st of 
August he laments his inability to get a letter through the 
lines to Laura, his wife: 

Tues., August 23 — (The prisoners are in Libby.) Slept first 
rate. Wash up and eat breakfast. They put part of us into 
another building opposite; take our names, number of regiment 
and where we were born, then search us, take our haversacks, 
etc. Give us rations about 1 p. m., take us to Belle Isle; there 
are a little over 3,000 of us here. We are divided into squads of 
30; Ladd is our Sergeant. 

Thurs., 25 — Brown is at work, outside, helping the cook; get 
our rations from across the river; attend prayer meeting. 

Mon., 29 — About 2100 came from Libby, of the Second Corps; 
they were taken the 25th at Ream's Station; am sorry to see 
them. 

Tues., 30 — Provisions are very high; small loaves of bread are 
$5.00 in Confederate money and $1.00 in greenbacks; coffee, 
$15.00; sugar, $12.00; onions, $1.00; apples, $2.00 and $3.00. 
For $1.00 we get one-fourth of a loaf of bread, a small piece of 
bacon and a little bean soup, just enough to keep us alive. 



304 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Sat., Sept. 3 — They have stopped the speculation in corn bread. 
The Lieutenant says all of it is ours and he will see that we get 
it. Write a short letter to Laura; fear she may not get my 
letters; there is a prayer meeting every night. I attend and 
hope they may do me good. 

Sun., October 16 — Sell my ring for $60.00 Confederate money 
and buy a blanket for $40.00. Am sorry to part with the ring, 
but the blanket will do me more good. A number die every day. 

Thurs., 20 — Our rations are bread, molasses and rice soup. 

Thurs., 27 — 500 more prisoners arrive from Richmond; they 
were taken in the Valley and belong to the Sixth, Eighth and 
Nineteenth Corps. 

Fri., 28 — Twenty-seven died in the last twenty-four hours; 
it is sad to see men suffer and die off in this way; my health is 
still good ; have nothing but rice to-day. 

Sat., November 5 — A number take the oath of allegiance to 
old Jeff. The Union boys hooted them and kicked one so that 
he died; Creedon took the oath. 

Tues., 8 — To-day is Election; wish I v/ere at home to vote for 
Old Abe. Get no bread or meat, but about a quart of rice soup; 
feel hungry and weak. 

Wed., 9 — Get some bread; went sixty hours on a little over a 
quart of poor rice soup. Felt quite weak and faint, but feel 
better since getting some bread; from twenty-five to fifty die 
every day. 

Fri., 11 — Get bread, meat and soup, but no salt in soup or on 
meat, there is none in camp. 

Sat., 12 — The long roll was beat three times last night; someone 
stoned the guard ; have only nine months more to serve. 

Mon., 14— The coldest night of the season thus far; sell a 
pair of socks for $5.00 Confederate money and buy some salt 
at $1.50 a pint. 

Wed., 16 — Rained a little in the night. The papers say Abe 
is elected sure. 

Fri., 18 — Help take Allen of the Fourth New Hampshire to 
the hospital ; think he cannot live long. It is a sad sight to see how 
the men are dying off. 

Sun., 20 — This does not seem like the Sabbath; little Orren is 
seventeen months old; wish I were at home to see him. 

Mon., 21- — Rheumatism troubles me some; Allen of the 
Fourth New Hampshire died last night. 

Sat., 26 — Get a letter from Laura dated Oct. 2d, and another 
this afternoon, dated August 27th; they are all well; am very 
glad to hear from them. Phillips (E) died last night. 



Corporal John E. Horton's Diary 305 

Mon., 28 — The Rebs count every division at the same time 
to stop flankers; have an attack of diarrhea. 

Tues., 29 — 370 take oath of allegiance to Jeff and go into the 
rebel army; short rations and so many dying urge them to this 
step; diarrhea a little worse. 

Wed., 30 — Am some better; this is my thirty-fifth birthday; 
hope to be able to spend my next at home. It is a real Indian 
Summer day. P. Merrill of the First Massachusetts Cavalry 
died in our tent. The chimney in the hospital fell, killing one 
man and wounding several. 

Thurs., December 1 — A fine day for the first of winter; am 
much better; sold my rations and bought some bread flour; 
Locke gave me some pills. 

Fri., 2 — It is just fifteen weeks since I was taken prisoner, am 
in strong hopes of being exchanged soon; feel about well. 

Sun., 4 — Could hear the church bells and it made me feel home- 
sick; how I wish I could be at heme with my wife and boy. 

Sat,, 10 — Stormed all night; about three inches of snow fell; 
a cold, bad night for us prisoners, but I managed to keep warm. 
Gorham (E) died this morning about two o'clock; he was sick 
but a short time. 

Mon., 12 — It froze hard, very cold for those who have no 
blankets. General Winder and some other rebel ofihcers were 
here to inspect the condition of the prisoners. Am some better 
to-day, got wheat flour. 

Fri., 16 — A few more Yankee prisoners come in, three of the 
Thirty-ninth, one (Burns) from "B" and one (Hemmenway) 
from'"K, " captured last Sunday (11), near Weldon. Sorry to 
see them here, but glad to hear from the regiment. 

Thurs., 22 — Drew bread, syrup and soup, no meat for a long 
time. 

Sun., 25 — Cloudy, with raw, cool wind; a dull Christmas for 
me. We got one-half a loaf of bread and a little rice soup for our 
Christmas dinner, breakfast and supper; wish I were at home, 
but see little signs of an exchange. 

Wed., 28 — Tipton was elected our squad sergeant in place of 
White (deposed); our tent run for Haun, but he got beat; think 
we have a good sergeant. Rumor says there is to be a general 
exchange of prisoners the first of January; hope it is true. 

Thurs., 29 — Rained quite hard all night and our tent leaked 
some; do not feel very well but hope I shall not be sick. 

Fri., 30 — ^A cool, dull day. Have the diarrhea quite bad, but 
am in hopes to get rid of it soon. John Locke gave me some pills. 



306 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Sat., 31 — Rained about all day; comes on cold and snows 
some. Had the diarrhea very bad all night; a cold, dull, dis- 
agreeable day for the very last of 1864. It looks like a dark pros- 
pect ahead for us prisoners, but I am in hopes to be exchanged 
soon ; so the story runs. 

Sun., January 1, 1865 — A fine pleasant morning but cool. It 
does not look like a very happy New Year for me, but am in 
hopes to get out of this soon. God grant it may be a happy and 
pleasant one to my wife and boy. Am a little better this morn- 
ing. 

Five days later the hand that wrote the foregoing and 
that had given daily evidence of its fealty to God, home and 
country, in devotion to duty and in a daily record of deed 
and thought, was cold in death, for on the 6th of January 
Horton died and what was mortal of him was borne out to 
the trenches to rest with the more than two score of his 
comrades of the Thirty-ninth who had gone the sad way 
before him. And thus perished almost 40,000 loyal men, 
faithful to the end and, "When the Roll is Called up Yonder, " 
it seems highly probable that the most of those, who thus 
endured cold, hunger and every form of privation in token 
of their appreciation of duty, will stand a fairly good 
chance of being able to answer "Here." 

FROM DIARY OF CORPORAL EDWARD H. LEWIS, 

CO. B. 

As the Corporal's record goes over the same time and 
place of other diarists, care is taken to avoid repetitions. 

Salisbury, the last of October — The death rate is heavy, owing 
to bad weather and small rations; the latter also being poor in 
quality, consisting of what is supposed to be coarsely ground 
corn meal, including a great deal of the cob. It is mixed with hot 
water, no salt or seasoning of any kind, and baked in large 
loaves, about three inches thick and these loaves are cut into 
squares of about three and one-half inches, the same being a 
ration for twenty-four hours. In addition to this we have been 
having about three-quarters of a pint of something called "soup. " 
It is made of North Carolina peas (usually called "cow-peas"), 
decayed bacon very active with maggots, and water, the process 



Corporal Edward H. Lewis' Diary 307 

of brewing being as follows: A large kettle receives its bushels 
of peas, along with its due proportion of the said animated bacon 
and the necessary liquid, and the combination is boiled until the 
outer cuticle of the pea is loosened, scarcely longer, and then is 
dipped out for the sustenance of Yankee unfortunates. Were 
this all, it would not be so bad, but the foam which appears upon 
the surface of the soup is very far from being unsubstantial, since 
therein float hundreds of the vermicular denizens of peas and 
bacon. Not exactly as appetizing as the bouillon of home pre- 
paration nor as clear, yet with closed eyes and bated breath, we 
manage to enclose it, probably to our bodily good, if not to the 
satisfaction of our several senses. 

Nov. 10 — Charles Wadsworth, Company B, dies to-day. 

Nov. 24 — Many of the boys suffering from hunger, thirst and 
general exposure, took the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy 
to-day, thinking by so doing to find an opportunity to escape 
and reach our lines; fully three hundred have done this during the 
month of November. 

Nov. 25 — The attempt to break out of prison to-day was un- 
successful. The prisoners were divided into three divisions, the 
first being called the Wood Division, since it was expected to 
make the attack on the big gates where wagons bring in our 
wood; the second division was to break through the bakeries, 
while the third was to spike the pieces of artillery that were 
trained upon the enclosure; mine was the Bread Division and in 
the effort we lost six killed and ten wounded. 

Nov. 27 — James Kilduff, Co. B, dies to-day. 

Dec. 5 — Was asked to enlist in the Confederate army and thus 
escape this terrible suffering. I replied most positively that I 
would stand by the old Flag if I died here. 

Dec. 27 — My shoes, such as they were, were stolen last night 
and I am barefooted. Could only wrap my feet in rags which I 
picked up in small pieces. Three rebel Catholic priests came 
into the prison to-day and tried to influence our Catholic boys 
to serve in the Confederate army and succeeded in getting many 
of them. 

Feb. 19 — Leave Salisbury early in the evening, we know not 
where. 

Feb. 21 — Arrive in Raleigh, N. C, this morning, where we are 
detained during active military operations on and near the Cape 
Fear River, near Wilmington, N. C. 

Mar. 5 — Leave Wilmington on transports for Annapolis, Md., 
which we reach on the 8th at 10 p. m. Here we are detained and 



308 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

enrolled, also relieved of all clothing and reminders of prison 
life, Uncle Sam issuing to us new suits of clothing. 

Mar. 15 — Receive two months' pay and commutation for six 
months and eleven days as prisoner, $84.50 in all. (The commu- 
tation covered half rations for the prison period at 25 cents a 
day.) 

Mar. 16 — Leave Annapolis, Parole Camp, for home, having a 
furlough till April 13. 

April 14 — Reach Baltimore on my return and at 11 p. m. hear 
the news of President Lincoln's assassination; the returning 
prisoners, several hundred in number, offer their services to the 
Provost Marshal in case of need. 

April 21 — Detailed to take charge of Barracks, No. 43 (Annap- 
olis), and am put to work on the pay roll for this barrack. 

May 3 — Proceed from Annapolis to Camp Distribution, north 
of Alexandria, Va. 

May 23 — Leave camp for Washington via Chain Bridge and, 
having rejoined my regiment, take part in the Grand Review. 

June 14 — Paid off at Readville and discharged from the state 
service. 

June 20— With Co. K of the Thirty-fifth, my Company (B) of 
the Thirty-ninth is given a reception and review by the City 
Government of Roxbury who were in office 1862, and those on 
duty now. 

JOHN F. LOCKE'S RECOLLECTIONS. 

'Twas a gloomy march from the immediate rear of the Con- 
federate Army to Petersburg and a weary night that was spent 
in the yard of the penitentiary of that town. In the morning 
we were relieved of all military equipments such as knapsacks, 
haversacks, canteens, etc., and also all blankets, shelter-tents, 
overcoats, or extra clothing. . . .The next day we were 
removed to an island in the Appomattox and the rain, setting in, 
rendered the night hideous enough. The boys gathered in 
squads and, sitting back to back, on the damp, spongy ground, 
tried to sleep but, with such a hapless present and such a hopeless 
future, few could enjoy that luxury. 

The next day the whole 1800 were escorted out of town about 
two miles, that we might take the cars for Richmond. Three 
hard-tacks (the first food received from our captors' hands) were 
given us to make us hungry and that we might enjoy our excur- 
sion. The sound of the battle in progress (the 21st) on the same 
ground where we were captured was plainly heard, and we could 



John F. Locke's Recollections 309 

but wish that the results might be more favorable than those of 

the 19th Towards the last of the afternoon we 

arrived in Richmond and as we alighted from the coal cars we 
were told that only one hotel in the place could accommodate us 
and that one was "The Libby" and, as we were strangers in 
town and might wish to look around a little, we were escorted 
through some of the principal streets. 

Finally the procession brought up in front of Libby and we were 
stowed away in it; thus in nine of its rooms were packed 1800 
men. We spent a portion of our time in examining our new 
quarters, the walls of which were covered with the names of for- 
mer fellow sufferers. Here we received our first half loaf of 
corn bread which was not so bad in quality as it was in quantity. 
Then came orders from the Prison Inspector, Dick Turner, to 
hand over all moneys to him for safe keeping, and some un- 
sophisticated ones obeyed, having their names duly registered, 
but I have not heard that Turner gave any receipt or that any- 
thing ever came back. After a very uncomfortable night, owing to 
our crowded condition, we were glad to see the morning and 
soon afterward we were taken across the street (Carey) to Pem- 
berton prison and distributed in its rooms in squads of twenty- 
five. Turner soon came in and, in his insolent, arrogant style, 
ordered us to strip ourselves that our clothes might be searched, 
for he was not satisfied with the amount already given up. 
Stripped naked, and with our clothing a few paces in front of us, 
we saw our garments searched for valuables. 

Our wallets, watches, jackknives, rings and everything of 
comfort or value that was not absolutely necessary was gathered 
into a heap and Turner, with greedy eye, not only inspected but 
appropriated. At the end of a long half hour we were permitted 
to dress and then were conducted back to Libby, and other squads 
followed, the procession continuing till well into the next day, 
everyone being pretty thoroughly plucked. After all, many of 
the cunning Yankees were able to circumvent the rebels, since 
bills of large denominations were hidden in such queer places as 
ears, mouth and hair, thus enabling the possessor to procure 
needed comforts in coming days. 

Having been, in this manner, completely robbed, we were 
formed in line for Belle Isle ; as the dismal name was sounded our 
spirits fell, for we had heard the stories of suffering there, but to 
Belle Isle we went and were conducted to one corner, containing 
about an acre and a half of ground, enclosed by a low breastwork 
and a deadline. This part of the island was so low that the 
spring freshets invariably covered it. The soil is composed 



310 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

largely of sand and is prolific of fleas, bugs and other kinds of 
insects too disagreeable to mention. The place was extremely 
hot by day and, through its lowness, cold by night; alternately 
roasted and all but frozen we passed seven miserable weeks upon 
Belle Isle, but why thus named beautiful we could never imagine. 

For three weeks we were without shelter, then came six good 
A tents for every squad of one hundred men. When it rained or 
was colder than usual, we were wont to lower the tent upon us, 
using it as a blanket; here we would lie and all but smother till 
the call for rations was sounded the next morning at about nine 
o'clock. Our rations consisted of a piece of corn bread, 5 x 23^ in. 
in size and a small piece of rancid bacon or boiled fresh beef. 
Towards three in the afternoon a half pint of soup, composed of 
wormy beans, was issued and, though the hogs of the keeper 
usually tasted it first, we relished it and were glad to get it. 
While we thought this pretty hard fare, the time was to come 
later when we looked back upon these days as those of compara- 
tive plenty. 

By new arrivals our numbers were soon swollen to fully 6,000 
men, among them being a portion of a regiment of Germans so 
new to the country that they were unacquainted with our lan- 
guage, hence a deal of trouble for them, as in their ignorance 
they would wander over the dead line after a chip for fuel, but 
they never returned. During the day we were permitted to go 
to the water, through a narrow passage, as often as we pleased, 
but at night only five were permitted to go at a time. A ser- 
geant (H. C. French) of Co. G, our regiment, having taken his 
turn, was coming back and of course there was a rush to be the 
next one to go down, by the boys in the yard, and in their haste 
they pushed the sergeant, who was quite weak from illness, into 
the ditch of the dead line. Without a word of warning he was 
instantly shot dead by one of the sentries, the bullet passing 
through his head. This sentinel was a young fellow of sixteen 
years who, with his mother, while living near Mitchell's Station 
had been supplied with food during the whole of the previous 
winter by the commissary of our Brigade. We were told that he 
was paid for this act of ingratitude by a two weeks' furlough home. 

An incident will illustrate the straits to which the lack of food 
will drive otherwise decent men. We were counted regularly 
once a week, usually on Saturdays, the object being to find out 
whether any were escaping. To effect this numbering we were 
filed out, one by one, into a vacant lot which bordered on the 
river. While here one day, several of the boys completely buried 
themselves in the sand, hoping to get away from the island in the 



John F. Locke's Recollections 311 

following night. No loss was suspected on our return but, during 
the afternoon, a poor hungry wretch went to the gate and, calling 
for the sergeant of the guard, offered to reveal something of 
importance if he would give him a loaf of bread. The rebel 
agreed, whereupon he was shown where the Yankees were con- 
cealed 'in the sand. It is only fair for the sergeant to state that 
he knocked the informer down with the butt of his musket, 
saying that if he were as mean as that, he would go and kill 

himself. 

The Confederate mode of punishing petty offenses among us 
was most cruel. The culprit was placed astride a tall, carpenter's 
horse, some six feet in height, and ropes were tied to his feet, 
fastened to the ground and then drawn as taut as possible; his 
hands were fastened behind him and tied to the horse. In this 
condition the unhappy sufferer was obliged to pass three or 
four hours; most always they were taken down insensible and 
some of them never recovered from this brutal usage. On the 
5th of October came orders to be ready to march. Joyfully we 
obeyed, confident that our destination was the land of the Stars 
and Stripes, though rations of a loaf and a half of corn bread 
clearly pointed in another direction, our halting place being on 
the south side of the James where, by the side of the Richmond 
and Danville R. R., we lay all day eating our three days' rations. 
At 5 p. m. a train of baggage cars drew up and the painful fact 
dawned upon us that we were simply going to exchange one 
prison for another. 

So closely were we packed, lying or sitting was out of the 
question and all had to stand. We reached Salisbury, N. C, 
three days after leaving Belle Isle, and in the evening of the 8th 
we were turned into the prison enclosure where we saw very little 
to invite us, though the place was comparatively clean then. 
The light of fires revealed the shivering forms of unhappy pris- 
oners who had preceded us to this place of detention. It was 
one of the coldest of autumnal nights and we came so late no 
provision had been made for us, so, hungry as we were after fasting 
two days, tired and cold, we faced the uncomfortable night. 
Worn out with hunger and fatigue, we threw ourselves on the 
frozen ground with no covering save the heavens, which were 
very cold that night; dressed, the most of us, in summer blouses 
with no underclothing, it was one continuous shiver till the rising 
sun gladdened our eyes and warmed our bodies. We lay down 
close to each other but, as the night grew colder and the wind 
whistled more sharply, the end men with one side exposed, 
unable to endure the cold longer, would leave for some fire or 
exercise till at last the entire line would dwindle away. 



312 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

A day's ration of half a loaf of wheat bread and a nice slice of 
meat put us in proper condition to examine our quarters. The 
field comprised about seven acres, somewhat triangular in shape 
with a twelve-foot-high board-fence surrounding it, on whose 
outside, about four feet from the top, was a continuous platform for 
the sentries. Facing the entrance were three little brick houses 
about 30 X 15 and at their right, at right angles, were three 
other similar buildings; in one corner stood a large brick edifice, 
formerly a cotton factory, now called the penitentiary, adjoining 
which was the prison cook-house; near by were two wooden 
buildings, one a hospital, the other occupied by citizen prisoners; 
of the large structure, three rooms were occupied by deserters 
from our army, and two others by rebel deserters, than whom a 
more graceless lot I never saw. On the north side of the prison- 
yard and back of the brick buildings were four wooden shanties, 
built of rough timbers and occupied by our officers who were 
captured when we were, separated from us only by the beat and 
bayonet of the sentinel. 

Wood was brought in and distributed in a very peculiar manner, 
since everybody attacked the load at once and to the strong went 
the major part of the fuel, while the weaker men had to suffer. 
On our arrival, the whole enclosure was covered with grass, but 
it soon disappeared. Meanwhile the days were growing colder 
and our appetites keener; on our way hither I had sold the stock- 
ings off my feet for a boiled beet, now I exchanged a good pair of 
pantaloons for a miserable rebel pair and five dollars. Confeder- 
ate scrip, and though my blouse was about worn out I felt as 
happy as a lark in so doing, for by the proceeds I was able to buy 
another pair of socks and had enough money left for little extras 
of food for a week or ten days. There were only three wells in 
the enclosure (four more were dug later) which yielded hardly 
water enough for drink, thus putting bathing entirely out of the 
question. There being no bucket for drawing the water, we 
supplied its place by our tin cups, which we lowered with strings 
made from suspenders and bootlegs. Through constant dipping 
the wells were transformed into mudholes, so that a nominal quart 
of water was really one-fourth red clay. 

Made desperate by the prospects of the coming winter, a plan 
for an escape was formed to be led by General Joseph Hayes 
(formerly Colonel Eighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers com- 
manding First Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Corps; captured 
at the Weldon R. R.) but discovery of the plot resulted in the 
removal of the officers to Danville, Va., and the collapse of the 
scheme. For the distribution of food the prisoners were divided 



John F. Locke's Recollections 313 

into divisions of one thousand each and these into squads of one 
hundred, each one being looked after by a sergeant from its own 
numbers. About the 1st of November tents were issued, two to 
a squad, ours receiving for one the fly of an officer's tent, the 
other a small McClellan, the two affording protection for only 
a small part of the squad, and those who got any good from them 
were the immediate friends of the sergeant. All others had 
to seek cover under ground which they secured by digging holes, 
somewhat larger than those of woodchucks, but of the same 
general nature. Pitiable indeed was the condition of the men by 
this time, since the heavy rains had turned the whole enclosure 
into a veritable pig-sty whose soft red clay could be made into 
bricks without further mixing. 

The death-rate increased at an alarming rate, so that from 
forty to fifty were carried out each day to the dead-house. 
Nearly all of the workshops had been changed into hospitals, 
also two floors of the old factory building. The dead-house 
was one of the lower floors of one of the work-shops where, when 
the weather was bad and the dead were not readily removed, as 
many as eighty corpses, stark and cold, could be sesn piled one 
upon the other like corded wood. On the coming of the cart to 
remove them, they were thrown into the same with the least 
formality possible and so carried off. As we had no means of 
bathing, one of the worst features of the yard was the mass of 
animated insect life. Oh ! the horrors of such creatures ! Through 
them it might be said that we suffered a thousand deaths. Never 
at rest, always vigorous, they inhabited every nook and crevice 
of that dismal yard. They were worse than death. The terrors 
of a Spanish Inquisition could not bring to bear a mode of torture 
so vile as these filthy vermin. 

Then the state of the yard ! The principal diseases were dysen- 
tery and pneumonia, so that disease bred corruption and malaria. 
Those who were taken sick, if their squad sergeant were atten- 
tive, were carried to Hospital No. 3, and if, on examination, it 
were evident that the ailment was incurable, he was sent to a 
hospital to die. The good wheat bread of our earlier rations was 
changed to corn bread, made of the coarsest cob meal and given 
to us with rancid molasses. Meat was issued, after a time, about 
once in fifteen days and then at the rate of eight pounds of beef 
and bones to a hundred men. At such times all parts of the 
creatures were used ; the heads with eyes and horns still attached 
were often issued and in some way made victuals of. All small 
bones capable of being chewed were swallowed as a dog gulps his 
osseous food and the larger and harder ones were crushed with 



314 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

stones and boiled for hours; the soup thus obtained was thought a 
great luxury. To obtain salt a day's ration would be exchanged 
for enough of this necessity to last a fortnight or so, of course the 
exchange meant a fast for the day whose ration was traded. 

Occasionally flour or meal was given us in the raw and with- 
out salt; this was cooked into paste and gruel and very thankful 
all were to get it; oftentimes the prisoners were kept on one-half 
the regular rations, possibly one-quarter of the time, and some- 
times we went as many as three days with no bread whatever. 
It was this starvation process that drove good men to enlist in 
the southern army. About the 12th of November a thick cup of 
rice soup was given out; the next and the following day, we got 
only rice water, then came flour without salt. Wood was now 
issued regularly, each squad getting four sticks of eight foot 
timber. This particular afternoon it was green pine. To add to 
our troubles a mist arose, so that the only way we could cook our 
food was by piling the logs on top of each other and placing a coal 
underneath which we took turns in keeping alive with our breath, 
till all had cooked their meal. It was a hapless sight that we 
afforded that afternoon, black with dirt and smoke, as we ate our 
food. We had gone so long without food that we had almost 
lost the sense of hunger and this little meal only served to wake 
our appetite. Before eating my ration, I could walk about the 
yard without resting; afterwards I was so weak that I fainted in 
going to my tent, for I was failing rapidly; my old pantaloons 
were worn out and slit from the knee downward; the sleeves of 
my shirt and blouse were almost gone, my shoes and socks worn 
through, my hair matted with dirt and filth, my complexion 
that of a negro, my body truly was more dead than alive. 

My condition was that of my associates in misery, and it was 
then that the rebel authorities opened a recruiting station in our 
midst, offering a loaf of bread and fifty dollars in gold to each 
one who would enlist; six hundred went out. With the exception 
of a few desperate characters, all hearts were softened at the 
sight of so much misery, the faint hearted had mostly enlisted 
in the rebel ranks and those who remained were true blue and 
had determined, live or die, to stand fast to their principles. 
Without anything being said, oaths began to be dropped and 
testaments to be read; while cant was never so ridiculous and 
intolerable, true religion and a pure morality began to be the life 
of the mass. 

About the last of November, a friend with whom I had become 
acquainted on Belle Isle was appointed wardmaster of Hospital 
No. 5 ; hearing of my condition, he sent for me. I went and was 



John F. Locke's Recollections 315 

received like a brother, the dirt washed from me, there being 
plenty of water in the hospitals, clothes taken from men who 
had died were given me and I was nursed, cared for and fed out of 
his own rations till my life, which was slowly ebbing away, was 
coaxed back again. This friend, a total stranger before my cap- 
ture, was a sergeant in a Pennsylvania cavalry regiment and 
our acquaintance began at a devotional meeting where were laid 
the foundations of the strongest Christian friendship. He was a 
veritable ministering angel to all those who came under his care, 
and from his conduct I learned that Christianity was not merely 
a sentiment but a life, not an idea but a reality. 

As remarked before, few cases were admitted to the hospital 
that were not considered hopeless; from our ward of two rooms, 
having forty patients, five or six would be carried to the dead- 
house every night. Army surgeons are bad enough anywhere, 
but those provided at Salisbury were worse than the common 
run. Coming in at the time appointed, they never came at any 
other, they would go along the line of men lying on the floor, 
hitting the patient with their feet to attract attention, would 
contemptuously inquire, "Well, what's the matter with you 
to-day?" and, without waiting for a reply, would prescribe any 
one of the medicines that happened to cross their minds. There 
were, indeed, three honorable exceptions, but they could only ex- 
press their sympathy by words of encouragement. Our ward 
doctor, the most of the time, was a medical student of the latter 
class. 

November 25th came a decided effort to break out; unfortu- 
nately the plot had not been worked up so that a sufficient number 
understood the plan, so that the effort was made at two instead 
of four o'clock, when only three divisions had been prepared. 
On the appearance of the relief at that time, someone gave the 
watchword, "Who's for liberty.?" and, as quick as a flash, every 
one of those sentinels was disarmed and the boys were using their 
guns against the senrinels on the fence. The noise of the struggle 
of course soon brought the troops to the scene and forming on the 
fence began firing. If theirs had been the only resistance, we 
might have succeeded ; unfortunately for us, the Sixty-ninth 
North Carolina, a newly recruited regiment, was just outside, 
awaiting transportation, and they were brought to the support 
of the guards, and many of the Salisbury cirizens, afraid of their 
property if we got away, trotted down with their fowling pieces 
and old flintlocks. The fence was soon covered with enemies who 
began a murderous fire on every tent in the yard, though not a 
third part of the prisoners knew what was up until it was too late 



316 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

and then, recognizing the hoplessness of the effort, everyone tried 
to hide himself from the terrible fire. The guards having re- 
covered from their fright proceeded to exercise vengeance by 
discharging the two pieces of artillery loaded with boiler screws 
amongst us. No one knows how many were killed, but sixty or 
seventy were wounded, most of them lying in their tents. The 
wounded were all placed in the same hospital, were all treated with 
the same surgical tools and gangrene set in with all, and all, 
save two or three, died. 

Of my company (E) twenty-four were captured, the most of 
them strong healthy men. As the winter advanced and the cold 
grew more intense, many of them lost hope and dropped away. 
From my position in the hospital, to which I had been elected 
after recovering sufficient strength, I was able to be of help to 
them. I passed out crust-coffee and opium pills whenever I 
could get them. The stoutest hearted man in the company was 
the first to die. A native of Maine, a blacksmith by trade, Jones 
seemed the one best fitted to endure hardship, yet, allowing him- 
self to become disheartened, he quickly fell a prey to disease. 
On one of my visits to the boys I found one of them, a corporal 
(Glines), failing fast. I asked permission of the superintendent to 
admit him to the hospital as a patient and it was granted. Two 
days later, I heard that another corporal (Horton) of my com- 
pany, a near neighbor and friend at home, wished to see me. 
I found him lying in the mud of his tent, and I knew by the look 
of his face that he could not live. He asked me if I could do any- 
thing for him or, at least, give him some opium. I got some of 
the pills for him and told him I would do what I could towards 
getting him into the hospital. Knowing that he could not live 
much longer he said, "Tell the folks at home I died trying to do 
my duty and thinking of them." Going back to the ward, I 
besought the privilege of bringing him to the hospital. The 
superintendent replied that there was no vacancy, but would be 
on the morrow, but I might go after supper and get him and give 
him a place under a bunk. I went upstairs and cooked our scanty 
meal and, while doing so, the night patients were brought in. 
While eating my supper, one of the nurses, a pompous fellow, 
came in and said that one of the patients was a young fellow who 
insisted on seeing me before going under his bunk. On being told 
that I was busy upstairs the nurse said he whined, "I wish you 
would call Johnnie, one monent, " but he put a stop to his "non- 
sense," as the nurse said, by showing him his place for the night 
and said that he had fainted in taking it. Indignant that my 
friend had been denied so small a favor, I hurried down to the 



Sergt. Major C. K. Conn 317 

place where he had been put and cried, "Fred," and, as no 
answer came I supposed him asleep and thought I would not 
disturb him. After finishing my work at midnight, I went up- 
stairs to retire; shortly afterward the nurse in attendance called 
that a corporal, under the bunks, was dead. Hurrying down, I 
found my friend stiff and cold in death in the middle of the floor. 
A friend and playmate from boyhood, the merriest boy of us all, 
smart in school, most joyous in sport, he was the life of our 
youthful circle. We had enlisted together ; his parents, brothers 
and sisters were all well known to me and I must tell the sad 
story to them — how he had died in a hospital of which I was an 
attendant, yet had been unable to comfort him in his dying 
hours. The sight of my grief was a good lesson to the nurses who 
were more ready to grant favors thereafter. Horton, the other 
corporal, died the same night. 

A great many died from the effects of the cold weather; numbers 
of them had their feet frost-bitten and, as they were not taken care 
of, mortification set in, to be followed by death. Many a poor 
fellow, weak with disease, left his tent at night, and, stumbling 
in the darkness would fall and being too weak to call for help 
would be found in the morning a frozen corpse. Finally, without 
any warning, on the to us ever memorable 20th of February, '65, 
orders came to have the sick ready for removal. It was with 
joyful hearts that we obeyed and, when the gate was opened that 
we might carry them out, we could hardly contain ourselves for 
joy. Only when the cars had fully started could we realize that 
SaHsbury, with its filth and dirt, its misery and degradation, its 
dying and dead, was being left for good. With feeble voices we 
sang "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow" and many a 
prayer of thanksgiving was breathed that we had lived to see the 
glad hour. 



SERGT. MAJOR C. K. CONN 

Sergt. Major Chas. K. Conn, originally of Company K, 
was wounded May 8, '64, captured and carried to Rich- 
mond. After recovering from his wounds he was retained 
as a clerk, one of his duties being to make out the lists of 
those who were to be paroled. Having a happy thought 
one day while preparing a roll of names, he wrote his 
own among those of men about to start for God's country, 
and when the party in charge called for those thus enu- 



318 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

merated, Conn stepped forth with the invalids to whom 
parole privileges were confined in 1864. One of the Con- 
federate officers, noticing him among the sick men, asked 
him what he was doing there. To the query the quick 
witted Yankee replied, "I heard my name called and so 
responded," The facts in the case were not discovered 
till after Conn had gone too far to be called back, though 
he felt extremely shaky until he was safely aboard the 
Union vessel. 

J. F. LESLIE'S RUSE 

This Company K man thought his liberty worth risking 
something for; captured Aug. 19, '64, he too had been 
taken to Richmond, "Libby" and Belle Isle, where he 
informed his comrades he purposed trying the sick 
dodge by way of the hospital, for he had discerned that 
the sick and wounded would go first. His friends tried 
to dissuade him, saying that he would surely be found 
out and might be made to suffer all the more on account 
of his attempted cheat. He tried the rebel doctor every 
morning with his complaints, but was careful to take 
none of the latter's medicine, throwing all of it away. 
At last the surgeon, suspecting shamming on the Yankee's 
part, prepared a Spanish-fly plaster, 4x8 inches in size, 
which could not be disposed of as his medicine had been. 
Leslie put it on his body, keeping it on all night, and 
when he visited the doctor in the morning and was asked 
if it had had any effect he was able to show a blister the 
full size of the plaster. This convinced the officer that 
our man was not shamming, for as he said, "Any man who 
could stand that could not be 'playing it'," so he was 
sent to the hospital in Richmond, "Yankee, 21," as it 
was called. On getting there he hardly dared move for 
fear of being sent back. One morning the hospital doctor, 
saying that he would give him something to make him 
sleep, left a potion with the injunction to make sure 



J. F. Leslie's Ruse 319 

that it was taken; there was no way open but to take it, 
but it was spat out the moment the steward passed to the 
next patient. The look of astonishment on the doctor's 
face the next morning convinced the patient that it was 
a dose for final sleep that the surgeon had prepared; at 
any rate he never came near Leslie's cot again. In a few 
days the "artful dodger" was paroled, while his comrades 
were sent to Salisbury and Andersonville where the most 
of them died. 

CORPORAL CHARLES H. BARNES' STORY. 

A picture of Andersonville, as it appeared in the summer 
and fall of 1864 and the following winter, is drawn by 
Corporal Charles H. Barnes of Co. I, who was wounded 
the 8th of May and, two weeks later, while going from 
Fredericksburg to Belle Plain Landing, on his way with 
others to Washington and Convalescent Camp, was cap- 
tured, carried to Richmond and shut up in Libby Prison, 
where he passed through the usual experience of being 
searched, etc. Three weeks later in company with more 
than a thousand fellow prisoners, he was started for 
Andersonville, Georgia; having ninety of them in an 
ordinary box car was pretty close work, since they could 
neither sit nor lie down, so had to stand. At Goldsboro 
they were unloaded and like cattle turned into a pasture 
without supper or shelter, but unlike cattle they could not 
eat the grass about them; rain was falling hard and, wet 
to the skin, they had to stand closely together for the sake 
of warmth. Starting again in the morning they reached 
Andersonville, just a week after leaving Richmond, the 
cars running only about three miles an hour, any greater 
speed being provocative of accident: — 

I was wearing a pair of boots that came to me from home the 
day I was taken prisoner and I hated to part with them, but I 
got so hungry when on the cars that I traded them with one of 
the guards for a dozen biscuits and a pair of old shoes full of 
holes. I ate the biscuits pretty quick, and still was as famished 



320 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

as before, and I wished I had the boots back to trade again. We 
were told that it was a lovely place inside of the stockade, but 
we found it quite the reverse. There were 39,000 men within 
the enclosure living in holes and tents made of pieces of old 
shirts, blankets and anything they could get that would hold 
together. When we marched in, we had to stand a while before 
assignment to some place in which to stay, when some of the 
men, already initiated, said that we had better be looking for 
places to camp in, we having thought that some sort of shelter 
would be given us. So we hunted around and found a soft bit 
of earth which some fifteen of us occupied ; ere long some of the 
old timers came round to see if we had anything they might wish. 
On waking, the next morning, each man found his pocket cut, 
but the thieves got nothing, since every man was dead broke. 

There were two stockades, one inside the other, about twenty 
feet apart and as many feet high in most places; along the top 
were shelters for the guard and about twelve feet from the inner 
wall was the dead line. It was made of scantling nailed on the 
top of posts, about four feet in height and if a prisoner touched 
it, which he was quite likely to do, the guards would shoot him 
if they could. A small brook ran through the middle of the yard ; 
sluggish generally, it became a raging torrent after severe rains. 
One day some of the stockade fell over into the water and some 
of the prisoners swam out to the floating logs and so raced out to 
freedom, for they were going too rapidly to be recaptured. For 
our first twenty days it rained nearly all the time and the only 
cover our party had was a piece of an old blanket, which as many 
as possible would put over their heads while the rest ran around 
trying to keep warm until the time came to exchange, an all day 
and all night series. 

After some searching I found four members of my own regi- 
ment, they having a tent made of old shirts and parts of old blan- 
kets which they had pinned together with broken sticks. Three 
of the boys could scarcely move on account of the scurvy, but 
one of them asked me to come in and stay with them, which I 
was glad to do, though I had to lie at their feet until one of them 
passed on, only a few days later. Shortly afterwards the other 
ones died and two of the Thirty-ninth had what was left which, 
while it did not keep out the rain, did keep off the direct sun, a 
no small comfort in that terribly hot place. We had two half 
pieces of blankets, nearly used up and almost covered with what 
Robert Burns called "crawlin' ferlies, " the fearful pests of our 
lives. I undertook one day to wash my shirt, trying first one 



Corporal Charles H. Barnes' Story 321 

corner of it which went to pieces, so I dried the garment carefully 
and without further effort at washing wore it almost nine months. 

First and last many tunnels were dug, inseveral of which I 
bore a hand; I don't know how many succeeded in getting out 
but there must have been several hundred; bloodhounds were 
put on their track and those who were brought back were put in 
the chain-gang. Among so many men there must be some bad 
ones, a few very bad ; they even resorted to murder in their efforts 
to secure what some of the prisoners possessed. To rid themselves 
of this terrible set of evil men a vigilance committee of the well 
disposed was organized and by sheer force of numbers, over- 
powered and sentenced to death six of them. The rebels, to their 
credit, furnished material for the gibbet and the execution took 
place, much to the relief of those who had to continue there. 

Our drinking water came from holes in the ground four or five 
feet deep ; while it was pretty clear, there were many dead mag- 
gots in the bottom, though we did not mind them, thinking the 
water so much better than that in the brook. One day in August 
a stream of water broke out just inside of the inner stockade; it 
ran all of the time, but the dead line was between us and the 
water; we procured boards and made a trough and then got per- 
mission to put it up, so that we had fine water all the rest of the 
time we were there. To this day it is known as the Providence 
Spring. Aside from scurvy, severe enough to loosen my teeth, I 
was not sick a day while in the prison. Our rations for the most 
part were a pint of boiled rice without any salt for twenty-four 
hours and oftener it would be forty-eight, for every time Captain 
Wirz discovered a new tunnel he would punish all of us by skip- 
ping our rations. Occasionally we would get some small black 
beans, such as the planters raised for their hogs ; these we would 
try to cook with green pitch-pine with results that can be imag- 
ined. I have blown myself black in the face many a time trying 
to cook them and then had to eat them raw. 

There was a sick call every day and when a man answered the 
same, all he got for his pains was a dose of sumach berries. No 
matter what the complaint might be the remedy was always 
the same, for it was all they had to give. Sometimes a man 
could be seen buried up to his chin ; he had the rheumatism and 
if he could endure the antidote two or three days, he would 
come out cured. One boy, to get some extra food, told the 
captain one day where a new tunnel was in progress, and after 
the officer had gone out, the men shaved one side of his head and 
on his breast and back put big placards, bearing in big black 
letters the word "Traitor." He was then marched all over the 



322 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

camp and tormented almost to death; the enemy finally took 
him outside, which was just what he wanted. 

After Stoneman's raid, the rebels thinking Andersonville no 
longer safe began to distribute us elsewhere and I sampled the 
bull-pen of Savannah, Ga.; the stockade of Millen, also in 
Georgia; and then was sent back to Savannah where I was paroled 
and sent down the River, to go on board a Union steamer; the 
sight of the Stars and Stripes brought tears to every eye. On 
board, our heads were shaved, we were bathed, clad anew and 
were judiciously fed; our old clothes went overboard. After 
reaching Annapolis I tipped the scales at seventy-five pounds, 
less than half my weight when I enlisted. After a brief stay in 
Parole Camp, I was paid off and sent home on a thirty days' 
furlough, where I was sick all of the time, but I returned to the 
camp at the end of the time to be furloughed again, this time for 
sixty days. On getting back to camp the second time, and weary- 
ing of it, I put my name down among those to be returned to 
their regiments and I reached mine the day after Lee surrendered. 

REGIMENTAL VETERAN ASSOCIATION 

The beginnings of the Association seem to have been 
lost in the interval between 1867 and the present; it is 
agreed, however, that the first four meetings were held in 
Boston hotels and that they were not very largely attended. 
The time was too near the date of getting home and the 
pleasures of that supreme event far outweighed any 
rehearsal of common dangers in war-experiences. Of the 
5 th gathering, the first basket picnic of the veterans of 
the Thirty-ninth and their lady friends, there is in sub- 
stance the following account: 

Downer's Landing, Hingham, was the place and Thurs- 
day, August 17th, the date; the party, numbering 300, 
left Litchfield's Wharf at 9.15 a. m. on steamers "Wm. 
Harrison" and "Emeline," arriving about 11 o'clock; 
a half mile walk brought all parties to the "Melville 
Gardens" which had been hired for the day. Noon saw 
the tables spread with the many good things brought by 
the members. Before repairing to the hall for dancing, 
Colonel C. H. Porter, President of the Association, in- 



Regimental Veteran Association 323 

troduced as speakers, Lieut. Colonel Hutchins, Major 
Graham, Captain Brigham, Lieuts. Mulligan and Mills, 
Sergeants Eames and Gardner. At 3 p. m. came a dress 
parade with one hundred and fifty men in line, Colonels 
Porter and Hutchins dividing the honors of commanding. 
A letter was read from General G. K. Warren, regretting 
his inability to be present, a disappointment to the veterans, 
as they had expected to meet their former commander 
once more; everyone of the Regiment and, for that matter, 
every regiment in the Fifth Corps, holding the officer in the 
highest esteem. On the formation of the line and led by 
Edmunds Band, the company marched back to the landing, 
reaching Boston at 5.15 o'clock, all happy and conscious 
that the presence of the ladies had added no little to the 
enjoyment of the day. 

The reunions of 1872, 73 and '74 were held in Boston 
Hotels; in 1875, Oct. 6th in Woburn was held the most 
notable of the Association's gatherings thus far. General 
Warren being the distinguished guest and Company K, 
along with citizens of Woburn, the hosts. There were 
present 166 men with General Peirson at their head; 
drum corps and brass bands furnished music and everyone 
joined heartily in the reception to the eminent soldier. At 
the rooms of the selectmen, the public had a chance to 
meet General Warren. At the armory the meeting was 
called to order by Captain Hutchins and the chief feature 
was the presentation to General Warren of a magnificent 
Maltese Cross in Gold, the badge of the Fifth Corps, the 
cost $100.00 having been met by the veterans. In the 
afternoon a banquet was served in Lyceum Hall to more 
than four hundred guests, the good people of the town 
having vied with each other in making the occasion memor- 
able. At the post prandial exercises, remarks were made by 
Captains Hutchins and Tidd; there was an extended 
address by J. A. Harvey, Co. C, followed by the introduc- 
tion of Sergt. Abijah Thompson, Co. K, as Toastmaster, 
who read an original poem after which, and the playing by 



324 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

the band of "Hail to the Chief," General Warren spoke 
briefly to the following effect, "I rise to acknowledge the 
kind attentions I have received to-day. Those who have 
spoken have referred in such kind terms to me, and your 
marks of approbation have been so many that I do not feel 
prepared to speak for the Fifth Army Corps, as I could 
wish. I hope you will excuse me. I shall carry from this 
place a sense of having been honored more than I deserve. 
(Cries of no, no.) The feelings which this day has inspired 
will always remain, and you have laid on me a debt of 
gratitude I never can repay." Col. C. H. Porter responded 
for General Peirson, letters were read from General J. 
C. Robinson, and Colonels Farnham and Tilden of the 
Sixteenth Maine; further responses to toasts were given by 
Maj. Ambrose Bancroft of the Thirty-second Regiment, 
Capt. J. P. Crane of the Twenty-second, Capt. C. S. Con- 
verse of the Fifth, Lieut. John L. Parker of the Eleventh 
and others, the exercises terminating in an evening's levee 
which lasted till midnight. 

The Centennial year, 1876, found the veterans 150 
strong in Natick, the guests of Co. I.; 1877, August 28th, 
Co. D of Quincy did the hospitable act with 220 comrades 
present. In 1878, Co. E of Somerville, on the 6th of Sept, 
helped celebrate the 16th anniversary of the departure of 
the Regiment with 225 veterans in attendance, the event 
gaining unwonted interest through the presence of General 
John C. Robinson who had been the Division Commander 
of the Regiment at the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, 
losing there a leg; there was a spirited address by Mayor 
Bruce of Somerville, an extended historical paper by Col. 
C. H. Porter with speeches of greater or less length by Gov. 
A. H. Rice, Gen'l N. P. Banks, Collector Beard, Secretary 
Pierce, Speaker Long, General Peirson and others, the 
celebration continuing with music and dancing till after 
midnight. A pleasant feature of the afternoon was the 
presentation of an elegant punch bowl and ladle to General 
Robinson by Lieut. C. K. Conn to whose words the General 



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Regimental Veteran Association 325 

responded so happily that all recognized him as a good 
talker as well as fighter. 

August 27th, 1879, found the survivors of the Thirty- 
ninth in Taunton, guests of Co. F with Capt. J. J. Cooper 
president of the day and 125 veterans on hand; Adjutant 
O. A. Barker welcomed the old soldiers to the city and after 
a short business meeting, line was formed for the Agricul- 
tural Fair Grounds where Hiram Maxfield of Silver Springs 
fame served one of his imitable clambakes. In 1880, 
Sept. 15th, Medford was the entertaining place with 
Co. C at the front, Jas. A. Harvey being President. Oct. 
5th, '81, the "old boys" came back to Woburn again, the 
reception being in the hands of the following named men 
of Company K., C. K. Conn., Geo. E. Fowle, Capt. L. R. 
Tidd, A. L. Richardson, J. F. Ramsdell, A. P. Barrett, J. 
Fred Leslie, A. Thompson and A. R. Linscott. Again 
Woburn has the honor of entertaining General G. K. 
Warren and he is accompanied by General J. C. Robinson, 
the valiant Division Commander, along with General 
Peirson, the ever popular regimental commander. At 
the dinner which was served in Lyceum Hall, remarks were 
made by those named above, Col. Porter and others. Before 
another reunion, General Warren will have passed away. 

The regimental line formed again in Natick, Oct. 10, 
1882; again Co. I plays the role of entertainers with fully 
150 survivors to honor the occasion. Dinner was served 
in Concert Hall; Col. C. H. Porter spoke at length in praise 
of General Warren who had died the 8th day of the pre- 
ceeding August; resolutions of sympathy and respect 
were passed by the veterans and a contribution was made 
to a Fifth Corps fund to honor the General's memory. 
Remarks followed by Comrades Barrett, "K"; Beck, "C"; 
Locke, "E"; Fames, "C"; Oliver, "E," and others. 1883 
brought the veterans to Quincy again with Co. D. Point 
Sherley in Winthrop was the place of meeting, August 26, 
1884, with Co. H as entertainers. Roxbury, the home of 
Co. B, entertained next, Sept. 23, 1885. Company G came 



326 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to the front Sept. 16, 1886, at Nantasket. The ladles of 
Somervllle, in behalf of Co. E, furnish the dinner for the 
reunion of 1887, Sept. 6th. Through the selection of the 
Executive Committee, Bass Point was the place of meeting 
in 1888. Sept. 11, 1889, brought the clans to Medford, 
once more, with Co. C. 

Sept. 24, 1890, the beginning of another decade, brings 
the veterans to Woburn, the home of Co. K, for the third 
time. As usual, great preparations were made for the 
reception, the principal guests, aside from the veterans 
themselves, being the widow and daughter of General 
Warren, and General Peirson and wife who with the wife of 
Mayor Johnson and the wife of the Hon. John Cummings 
formed the receiving line in the hall of the Y. M. C. A. 
The formalities of the occasion were conducted by Colonel 
C. H. Porter and Sergeant Abijah Thompson, "K," and 
166 servivors pressed forward, glad of the opportunity of 
grasping the hands of their friends. Dinner was served 
in Lyceum Hall. The after-dinner exercises were presided 
over most happily by Sergt. Thompson who introduced 
Mayor Johnson, General Peirson, the Hon. John Cummings, 
Colonel Porter and others. Company A was the host 
Sept. 7, 1891, at the old Lynnfield camping-ground, and 
the occasion was rendered notable by the following paper, 
prepared for the day by Lieut. Elbridge Bradshaw of Co. H : 

A VACATION IDYL 

Some thirty years ago, leading a sedentary life and gradually 
sinking into a semi-bituminated condition, my medical adviser, 
alarmed at my symptoms, ordered travel and change of scenery. 
Having learned that Virginia contained more travel and scenery 
to the square mile than any other spot on the globe, I determined 
on visiting that State. Being of a timid nature and fond of Com- 
pany, I joined myself to about a thousand other invalids, similarly 
afflicted, and seeking the same remedy, forming ourselves into a 
methodical organization. For convenience we divided ourselves 
up into groups of one hundred men each, using for purposes of 
distinction the first eleven letters of the alphabet, omitting the 



A Vacation Idyl 327 

letter J. For menial service, i. e. to look after our physical wants, 
each group hired for such purpose, six servants, viz. a captain, 
two lieutenants, with a cook, a drummer and a bugler or fifer, the 
latter two being hired to wake the excursionists in the morning. 
To keep these captains and lieutenants in order, we placed over 
them a colonel, a lieut. colonel and a major, at the same time 
they being our head servants or butlers. These people added 
to themselves an adjutant to run errands, a chaplain, a doctor 
and a pill-driver. To insure a faithful discharge of duty, from 
each group were chosen a dozen fellows called sergeants and 
corporals who were set over the others. 

Virginia at this time being in a tumultuous condition, and the 
U. S. Government having heard of our organization's plan of 
travel and objective points, invited us, through its Chief Magis- 
trate, to walk over Virginia as peace officers, punching the heads 
of belligerants and arguing with the discontented, an invitation 
which we accepted. When President Lmcoln secured our ser- 
vices he loaded us with benefits, first massing us at Lynnfield, 
giving us canvass houses to protect us from the dew and damp, 
sweet straw to nestle in, a pretty blue uniform, a belt to keep us 
from bursting, an iron toothpick, a tube of iron with a wooden 
handle, a little, black bureau, in which to keep our collars, cuffs 
and bric-a-brac, a black cotton pantry for provisions and plates, 
with a round tin vessel for whiskey. Uncle Sam also gave our 
servants (the shoulder-strapped ones) toasting forks to stick 
pigs with and red sashes with which to gird their persons when 
running and chasing the pigs down. Rendered proud and 
arrogant by their good clothes and shoulder straps, our servants 
rose on us and captured our organization, styling themselves our 
superior officers, and our entire body the Thirty-ninth Regiment 
of Massachusetts Volunteers. To give the usurpation a flavor of 
legality, they procured from Governor Andrew commissions 
indicating officially their rank and authority. On the whole they 
exercised their powers with great moderation and kindness. 

Though to the last, we suffered them to think themselves our 
superiors, yet in reality, they still continued to be our servants, 
caring for our food, clothing and morals, furnishing us clean, 
airy lodgings having adequate fire-escapes, so that in fact we had 
nothing on our minds worth mentioning and all we had to dowas to 
travel and fight; in a word, take our pleasure. They also taught 
us many pretty and amusing tricks; how to stand up straight in 
rows to be shot at; to abstain from whiskey (with quinine in it) ; 
to use the pickaxe and spade with the least expenditure of 
muscular energy and, in mud and night marches, to say our 



328 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

prayers without even stopping. As soon as we could march 
without scalping each other's heels, we left Lynnfield for active 
service and mighty active it proved on the start, our first en- 
gagement being a footrace against time through Boston. We 
left Lynnfield with cooked rations, meaning saltpork and hardtack. 

How dear to this heart is the old army hardtack, 
As Lynnfield 's reunion presents them to view; 
When eaten with raw pork or fried into doughnuts, 
The rations that beat him, are scat'ring and few. 
How oft in our marches, he's braced up our courage. 
As with gnawing and growling we've hobbled along; 
Oh ! well may the hardtack, the old army hardtack 
Prove a classical theme for an old veteran's song. 

That dear army hardtack was a limber old codger, 
In the hands of a Thirty-ninth's amateur cook; 
In his grip, the old hardtack took metamorphosis 
Not mentioned by Ovid, nor in Parlca's cook-book, 
As a pudding or pie in a cob-house as a dumpling, 
As a fry or a toast, or a raw on the shell ; 
That old army hardtack, that blessed old hardtack! 
For every recipe turned out equally well. 

I have eaten high banquets at Young's and at Parker's, 

I have tasted their beef, roast turkey and lamb ; 

But all of these dishes are flat and insipid. 

Beside the old hardtack of dear Uncle Sam; 

For the old army hardtack is seasoned with memories 

Of battles and sieges when wearing the blue; 

Of marchings and flankings and digging of trenches, 

And loving communion with old comrades too. 

The old army hardtack speaks, too, of dear comrades, 
Whose faces are missing to-day in our line; 
Their battles all fought, their warfare all ended. 
But whose virtues still live in mem'ry's pure shrine. 
Then cheer the old hardtack, the square army hardtack. 
Who was flinty and wormy at times, I must own. 
But when at Mine Run, he took a vacation, 
His absence was greeted with many a moan. 

Chorus. 
The old flinty hardtack, the iron bound hardtack; 
The moss-covered hardtack, we all knew him well. 



A Vacation Idyl 329 

Travelling the next three years through Virginia and its 
environments, we were often obstructed by mud and other 
earthern impediments, and the scenery was much disfigured and 
frequently obliterated by sulphurous clouds of smoke, hence 
excursioning for health and pleasure was, on the whole, a failure. 
Speaking for myself, individually, the climate didn't agree with 
me a bit. This I attribute largely to the horizontal metallic 
showers with which that region was infested and against which 
no ordinary cotton umbrella was an adequate protection. In- 
deed the atmosphere was so impregnated with little pellets of 
lead and ragged chunks of cast iron, that my system must have 
absorbed about fifty-five pounds of old junk and brought it 
home with me for, on my return, I weighed 190 lbs. against 
135 when I left Lynnfield. 

Natick with its Company I entertained for the third time, 
October 5, 1892; Quincy and Co. D did the hospitable 
act, also for the third time, in 1893, August 30; Roxbury 
and Company B were the entertainers in 1894 and Co. H of 
Dorchester received at the U. S. Hotel, Boston, Sept. 25, 
1895; for 1896, no record is found, but Sept. 6, 1897, Co. E 
and Somerville appear again; it is Medford and Co. C in 
1898; Woburn and her K Company in 1899. The old 
century ends, as far as our Regiment is concerned, October 
10, 1900, with I Company and Natick, while the new 
one begins Sept. 7, 1901, on the old campground at Lynn- 
field; Sept. 22, 1902, fi.nds the veterans again in Quincy; 
Sept. 24, 1903, in Roxbury; August 19, 1904, with Co. H. at 
Nantasket. Then with no special company distinctions 
the reunions follow, directed by the Executive Committee, 
atSquantum Inn, Sept, 21, 1905; Bass Point, Sept. 6, 1906; 
in a Dorchester hotel, October 23, 1907; again at Bass 
Point, Sept. 29, 1908; at Revere Beach for three successive 
years, viz. August 30, 1909, August 18, 1910, and August 
18, 1911. Fifty years after the departure of the Regiment 
from Massachusetts, nearly a hundred (92) veterans 
assembled again in Somerville with Company E and a large 
number of prominent citizens to celebrate the semi-cen- 
tennial; the state armory was the gathering place and 



330 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

General Peirson was the marked figure on the occasion 
while wives, daughters and other lady friends added to 
the pleasures of the hour; Sergt. Abijah Thompson of Co. K 
was the oldest man present, he having seen fully 90 years. 
After the dinner, over which Comrade the Rev. John 
F. Locke said grace and at which Lieut. J. H. Dusseault, 
Co. E, presided, there was speaking by Ex-Mayors Edward 
Glines, C. A. Grimmons and John M. Woods, the latter a 
veteran of the war, and the first named a brother of Fred 
Glines of Co. E who died in Salisbury. Mayor Burns of 
Somerville extended the courtesies of the city to the 
veterans and welcomed them all most heartily. General 
Peirson was received with accustomed enthusiasm and 
was heard with rapt attention. The half century event 
was a great success. The 51st anniversary was observed in 
Medford, with the survivors of Co. C, Sept. 6, 1913; the 
day, the place, the guests, quite one hundred in numbers, 
made the event notable; the forenoon's meeting was in 
the hall of the S. C. Lawrence Post, G. A. R., while the 
dinner was served in the drill-room of the magnificent 
armory, presented to Medford and the State by General 
S. C. Lawrence. 

REGIMENTAL ROSTER 

Nothing in the story of a regiment is of greater import- 
ance than its Roster, for therein appears the record of the 
individual whether the same be good or bad. One man 
alone makes a small appearance, yet a thousand men make 
a regiment and every volunteer, whether commissioned 
or enlisted, is entitled to the best that can be said of him. 
If, in addition to his military service, his career in civil 
life may be given in outline so much the better, for in 
America every able bodied man is potentially a soldier. 
The foundation for the following Roster is found upon the 
muster rolls, carefully preserved in the State House, 
Boston, and additions have been made thereto through 



Regimental Roster 331 

the information afiforded by members of the Veteran 
Association. 

The careful reader will observ^e in scanning the data 
afforded by the Roster that the ages of the soldiers almost 
entirely range between those of eighteen and forty-five 
years, these being the respective limits of legal enlistment; 
at the same time everyone is well aware that a large part 
of the army was made up of boys in their early teens; also 
we know full well that many a man went in long after 
reaching the maximum age for military service. As a 
fact, then, very many men lied their ages up or down; so 
far as the grand average, however, is concerned the "over" 
age compensated for or offset those who were "under." 
Since the muster-in rolls or enlistment papers are sources 
of all data concerning the age of volunteer and, it being 
well known that very many of them were and are incor- 
rect, the wonder rises as to the source of statements that 
have gone the rounds of the public press in late years, 
wherein the ages represented by the soldiers are carefully 
tabulated. However, from whatever source obtained, as 
worthy of presentation here the following alleged facts are 
given : 

Discussion has elicited an official statement that about 2,800,- 
000 Union men enlisted; there were about 5,000,000 men called 
out on both sides. Of these nearly 4,500,000 were under twenty- 
one; there were about 332,000 who were under sixteen and there 
were 1,500 in the Union Army who were not fifteen years old. 
Less attention has been given to the men who were over age, but 
every regiment can give its cases of men fifty, sixty and even 
seventy years of age whose great excess would average up many 
a juvenile volunteer. When, however, the rolls afford no such 
statements, where is the statistician acquiring his alleged facts? 

For the sake of brevity and economy of space the fol- 
lowing abbreviations are used: 

A. A. G. = Assistant Adjutant General; b. =born; bur. = 
buried; bvt.= brevet; batt. = battalion; Capt. = Captain; 
Co. = Company; Col. = Colonel; com. = commission or com- 
mittee; Corp. = Corporal; cr. = credited; d, =died or dead; 



332 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

des. = deserted; det. Serv. = detached Service; dis. = dis- 
charged; disa. =disabiHty; en. = enlisted; ex. of s. = expira- 
tion of service; F. & S. = Field and Staff; G. O. = General 
Order; H. Arty. = Heavy Artillery; Infty. = Infantry; k. = 
killed; lat. add. = latest address; Lt. or Lieut. = Lieutenant; 
M. =married; M. L =Mustered-in; M. O. =Mustered-out; 
mos. = months; mus. = musician; M. V. M.=Mass. Vol. 
MiHtia; N. F. R. =no further record; N. G.= National 
Guard; O. W. D,= Order, War Department; Pris.= Pris- 
oner ; prom. = promoted ; re-en. = re-enlisted ; rep. = reported ; 
res. = resigned; S. = single; S. H. = Soldiers' Home; S. S. = 
sharpshooters; S. O. = Special Order; Sergt. = Sergeant; 
trans. = transferred ; U. S. C. T. =U. S. Colored Troops; 
V. R. C. = Veteran Reserve Corps; w. = widower; wd. = 
wounded; W. D. =War Department. 

In reciting facts pertaining to each name, the same order 
obtains throughout the Roster; first comes the family 
name of the soldier, next his Christian appellation ; in some 
instances time and place of birth are given; as a rule, age, 
whether married or single, occupation and place of resi- 
dence follow in order; next, date of enlistment or muster-in; 
incidents of army life are next in place, and then the time 
and manner of leaving the army; finally are given incidents 
of civil life and latest address if the same be known. The 
application of abbreviations and the order are seen in the 
following supposed case: 

Jones, John, 20, S.; shoemaker, Natick; Aug. 22, '62; wd. 
May 5, '64, Wilderness; dis. disa., Aug. 20, '64; 
Selectman, Natick, 1880, '81; 1913, Natick. 
Printed in full the foregoing would be as follows: 
Jones, John, at the age of twenty years, single, a shoe- 
maker living in Natick, enlisted August 22, 1862, or 
was mustered in on that date; he was wounded in the 
battle of the Wilderness and, on account of wounds 
or disability therefrom, was discharged August 20, 
1864; he was a Selectman in Natick in 1880 and '81 
and in 1913 is still residing there. 



Field and Staff 333 

FIELD AND STAFF 

COLONELS 

Stearns Davis, 44, M.; stationer, Cambridge; August 
29, 1862; Phineas Stearns Davis was born in Brook- 
line, June 23, 1818, his Christian names coming to him 
from an ancestor who bore a part in the Boston Tea 
Party; his earher education, received in the Brookline 
pubHc schools, was supplemented by a journey around 
the world; in the publishing of schoolbooks he was 
long associated with his brother, Robert, on Wash- 
ington Street, Boston; deeply interested in Free 
Masonry, Colonel Davis had been Master of Putnam 
Lodge, Cambridge, was a member of St. Paul Chapter, 
Royal Arch, and was a charter member of St. Ber- 
nard's Commandery, Knights Templar of Boston; 
entering the Militia at a very early age, the beginning 
of the War found him Division Inspector on the Staff 
of General Samuel Andrews of the First Division; 
later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, he 
was serving in 1862 on a Board of Examination, 
thereby rendering signal aid to Governor Andrew; he 
passed thence to the Thirty-ninth Regiment. On 
leaving his home, he said to his mother who had 
expressed wonder, if not regret, at his going, "Mother, 
if I should live to see the end of this war without 
going and doing my whole duty to my country, I 
should never rest," and he went away with her 
blessing. Perhaps no man throughout the strife 
entered the service with higher motives than those 
which prompted Colonel Davis. Possessing as high 
an ideal of discipline and drill as he had of morality 
and patriotism, he proceeded to enforce them with 
the result that few if any organizations in the volun- 
teer service excelled the Thirty-ninth in true soldierly 
qualities. Early called to the command of a brigade, 
it was truly said of him that he never was assigned 



334 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to any position which he did not fill. The particulars 
of his death, July 11, 1864, have appeared in the body 
of this book; his funeral, held with Masonic honors in 
the Unitarian Church of Cambridge, was on July 18, 
the entire city being in mourning, with all places of 
business closed; flags were at halfmast and in the 
audience assembled to honor his memory were the 
City Council of Cambridge, Governor Andrew and 
Staff, Adjutant General Schouler, Mayor Lincoln of 
Boston and a wide range of other civil and military 
officers; Free Masonry in which he was so prominent 
was represented by Putnam Lodge to which he 
belonged, officers of the Grand Lodge, St. Bernard's 
Encampment of Boston, and the National Lancers 
also were present. Speakers at the services were the 
Rev. Chandler Robbins, who had officiated at his 
marriage, and Chaplain E. B. French who had accom- 
panied the remains of his commander home. With the 
long escort, the body of Colonel Davis was borne to 
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, having as bearers General 
Samuel C. Lawrence, Colonels C. L. Holbrook and 
L. B. Marsh, Postmaster Leighton and Deupty 
Sheriff L. L. Parker, the burial being with Masonic 
rites. 
Charles L. Peirson, from Lieut. Colonel July 13, 1864; 
owing to the stress of the "Battle Summer" campaign, 
his severe wound at the Weldon R. R. August 18, '64, 
and subsequent absence from the Regiment, not to 
mention the red tape that ever did hedge military 
matters about, it was not till the 23d of November, 
1864, that Colonel Peirson was mustered in to his 
rank: the Records of the War Department, Washing- 
ton, D. C, state: 

Peirson is now held and considered by this Department, under 
the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved February 24, 
1897, to have been mustered into the service of the United States 
in the grade of Colonel, Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry, 




Colonel Charles L. Pierson 
B'v't Brigadier-General 



Field and Staff 335 

to take effect from July 13, 1864, and to have held that rank 
until the date of his discharge from service. 

Upon the recommendation of Major General G. K. Warren, 
Peirson was commissioned Colonel of Volunteers by brevet, to 
date from March 13, 1865, for meritorious conduct in the battles 
of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania in May, 1864, and as Brig- 
adier General of Volunteers, by brevet, to date from March 13, 
1865, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of the 
Weldon Railroad in August, 1864. 

After months of prostration, incident to his wound, and 
on the clear evidence of his inability to return to the 
Regiment, Colonel Peirson resigned and was mus- 
tered out of the service January 11, 1865. Subsequent 
to the war, General Peirson was long in the iron 
business, Boston; on his retirement therefrom, he 
found occupation for his well earned leisure in his- 
torical studies, particularly with reference to the 
Civil War, being a member of the Loyal Legion, which 
he commanded, 1895, and the Massachusetts Military 
Historical Society. His city residence is at 191 Com- 
monwealth Avenue; his summer abode is at Pride's 
Crossing, city of Beverly. 



LIEUTENANT COLONELS 

Charles L. Peirson, 28, S. ; civil engineer, Salem; wd. May 8 
and 10, '64, Spottsylvania; prom. Colonel; Charles 
Lawrence Peirson was born in Salem; was graduated 
from Lawrence Scientific School, Harvard, 1853; was 
a Corporal in the Fourth Battalion, under Major 
T. G. Stevenson, which in the spring of 1861 did 
gratuitous service in Fort Warren, Boston Harbor; 
later commissioned First Lieut, and Adjutant in the 
Twentieth Massachusetts, he was taken prisoner at the 
Battle of Ball's Blufif and suffered three months' 
confinement in Libby Prison, Richmond; on his return 
to his regiment he was detailed for special service on 
the staff of General N. J. T. Dana and also later upon 



336 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

that of General John Sedgwick, thus passing through 
the Peninsula campaign; it was while on sick leave 
from such service that he was notified of his appoint- 
ment to his new position in the Thirty-ninth Regi- 
ment. 
Henry M. Tremlett, from Major July 13, 1864; absent at 
the time on detached service in Boston Harbor he did 
not rejoin the Regiment until October following; wd. 
March 31, '65, at Gravelly Run, he died of wounds 
at his home in Boston, June 6th following, the very 
day of the return of the Thirty-ninth. The six weeks 
immediately following the battle were spent in the 
hospital at City Point; thence he returned to Boston, 
getting there May 9th, apparently on the road to 
recovery, but the setting in of intermittent fever 
proved to be too great a trial of his strength; his 
body was buried in Forest Hills Cemetery. Of him 
a writer in a Boston paper wrote at the time: — 

His standard of manliness was one of noble action rather than 
of puling pretension, and his whole life showed him to be a loving 
son, a dear brother, a kind and generous companion, a devoted 
friend and a truly loyal man, willing to sacrifice his life for the 
noble cause for which he contended. 



MAJORS 

Henry M. Tremlett, b. Dorchester, July 15, 1833; 29, S.; 
merchant, Boston ; Aug. 28, 1862 ; educated at Chauncy 
Hall School, Boston, he succeeded his father in mercan- 
tile life on Foster's Wharf; when Governor Andrew 
called for volunteers to serve in Fort Warren in the 
spring of 1862, he was one of those who filled the ranks 
of the Fourth Battalion, serving therein as First 
Sergeant. On the organization of the Twentieth 
Regiment, he was commissioned Captain and in that 
capacity bore his part in the fatal day at Ball's Bluff 
and was with the Army of the Potomac through the 



Field and Staff 337 

Seven Days' Fight. With the Thirty-ninth he parti- 
cipated in all of its experiences till, in the fall of '63, 
he was ordered to Boston where for quite a year, as 
Provost Marshal, he had charge of the draft rendez- 
vous till after the death of Colonel Davis and the 
severe wounding of Colonel Peirson his return was 
necessary, serving thereafter as Lieut. Colonel. 
Frederick R. Kinsley, July 13, '64, from Captain, Co. E; 
not mustered; captured, Aug. 19, '64, at the Weldon 
R. R., was held until the following March; came home 
in command of the Regiment; M. O. as Capt., June 
2, 1865; soon after the war, with two brothers, he 
bought and worked a large farm in Dorchester, N. H.; 
represented the town in the Legislature; in 1911 he 
removed to Lowell where, in 1913, he makes his home. 

ADJUTANTS 

Henry W. Moulton, 21, M.; currier, So. Danvers; Aug. 18, 
'62; was first commissioned in the Thirty-fifth, Aug. 
12, '62, and was trans, as above. Owing to the de- 
tailing of Adjutant Washburn, Lieutenant Moulton 
took his place; wd. May 10, 1864, Laurel Hill; absent, 
sick, until his discharge; dis. disa., Dec. 5, 1864. 

Orville A. Barker, from Co. C, Dec. 5, '64; prom. Captain, 
April 3, '65; not mustered; M. O. June 2, 1864; a 
druggist for many years in Taunton, Captain Barker 
found time to serve as Treasurer of Morton Hospital 
and for thirty-five years was Clerk of the Baptist 
Church; he died Feb. 21, 1912. 

QUARTERMASTER 

Edward E. White, 34, — ; — , Cambridge; August 25, 1862; 
prom. Captain, April 3, '65; not mustered; brevet 
Capt. and Major, U. S. Volunteers, March 13, 1865; 
M. O. as 1st Lieut., June 2, 1865. 



338 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

SURGEONS 

Calvin G. Page, 33, — ; physician, Boston; August 22, 1862; 
dis. as Major, disa., Nov. 16, '63; an A. B., Harvard, 
1852, he took his M. D. there in 1854; d. March 29, 
1869. 

WilHam Thorndike, 29, M.; surgeon, Beverly; Nov. 17, 
1863; an A. B. from Harvard, 1854, he also gained 
there his M. D., 1857; had seen service as Ass't Sur- 
geon, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, whence 
he came to the Thirty-ninth ; his efficiency in the Regi- 
ment was thoroughly appreciated by the men, and 
General Peirson affirms that recovery from the wound 
received at the Weldon R. R. was the result of the 
care and attention of his surgeon; the son of the 
latter, William, Jr., also Harvard, 1892, and M. D., 
1896, is a Boston practitioner, whose wife is a daughter 
of the late General William Tecumseh Sherman; 
Surgeon Thorndike died in 1887. 

ASSISTANT SURGEONS 

James L. Chipman, 31, — ; physician, Milford; August 25, 
1862; dis. as 1st Lieut, disa.. May 23, '64; later, June 
26, '65, 1st Lieut, and Ass't Surg. Forty-third U. S. 
C.T.;M. O. Oct. 20, '65. 

Henry H. Mitchell, 23, — ; physician. East Bridgewater; 
August 25, 1862; res. Nov. 3, '64, as 1st Lieut, for 
prom, as Major and Surgeon, Thirty-sixth U. S. C. T. ; 
res. June 15, 1864. 

John F. Butler, — , — ; physician, Chesterfield, N. H.; 1st 
Lieut. May 27, 1863; an M. D. from Harvard, 1854, 
a classmate of Surgeon Thorndike, he was M. O. June 
2, 1865. 

CHAPLAIN 

Edward Beecher French, 29, M.; clergyman, Chatham; 
August 18, 1862; a graduate of Harvard's Divinity 
School, 1859, Chaplain French enlisted as a private 



Field and Staff 339 

from his pastorate, and was commissioned from the 
ranks; of him Thomas E. Small remarks, "At the battle 
of the Wilderness the Chaplain was right up at the 
front with the boys and when Daniel Burnham of our 
Company was shot and about to die, the Chaplain 
took his last message and whatever he had to send to his 
wife and family and comforted him In his last few 
moments of life; he accompanied the remains of 
Colonel Davis from Petersburg to Cambridge and 
spoke at the funeral; M. O. June 2, 1865; he was born 
in Lowell, Nov. 20, 1832; his earlier years were spent 
in Holllston; his first pastorate was In Chatham, 
whence he was the first man to enlist in the Thirty- 
ninth; after the war he served pastorates in Babylon, 
L. I., and Perth Amboy, N. J., but his health, en- 
feebled by exposures at the front, broke and recovery 
was sought In Texas and Wisconsin, but without 
avail. He died July 14, 1907, In Harwich with rela- 
tives of his wife, who had preceded him to the other 
world, and his body was laid by the side of hers In the 
Harwich burial ground. 

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF 

Sergeant Majors 

Charles Henry Chapman, 21, S.; student, Cambridge; 

prom. 2d Lieut. Co. G., Nov. 11, 1862; Brown Univer- 
sity, Class of 1861. 
T. Cordis Clarke from Co. B; Dec. 8, '62; prom. 2d Lieut. 

Nov. 13, '62; vide Co. E. 
Charles W. Hanson, from Co. A; Dec. 6, '62; prom. 2d 

Lieut. Jan. 25, '63; vide Co. H. 
Joseph A. Merrlfield, from Co. A, Feb. 20, '63; prom. 2d 

Lieut. Sept. 20, '63; vide Co. F. 
Edwin Mills, from Co. E; Sept., '63; prom. 2d Lieut. Jan. 

8, '64; vide Co. A. 
Charles K. Conn, from Co. K, April 28, '64; wd. and pris. 

May 8, '64; prom. 2d Lieut. Feb. 1, '65; vide Co. H. 



340 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

George H. Dennett, from Co. K, Feb. 1, '65; prom. 2d 
Lieut.; not mustered; M. O. June 2, 1865, as Sergt. 
Major; d. Maiden. 

Quartermaster Sergeant 
Henry B. Leigh ton, 25, — ; — , Cambridge; Sept. 4, 1862; 
prom. 2d Lieut. April 3, '65; not mustered; M. O. as 
Q. M. Sergt. June 2, 1865. 

Commissary Sergeant 
Lucius W. Hilton, 21,— ;—,— ; Sept. 4, 1862; M. O. June 2, 

1865. 

Hospital Steward 
Frederick Harvey, 27, M.; apothecary, Dorchester; dis. 

Sept. 7, 1863, S. O. W. D. 
Orville A. Barker, from Co. F, Oct. 13, '62; prom. 2d Lieut. 

Nov. 8, '63; vide Co. C. 
George A. Stuart, 22, S. ; chemist, Boston; March 9, 1864; 

trans. June 2, 1865, to Thirty-second Infantry. 

Principal Musician 
Matthew Woodward, from Co. F, Nov. 1, '63; M. O. June 
2, 1865. 

(To avoid needless repetition of dates in regard to transfers to and from the 
Regiment the following facts are stated here: — June 25, '64, on the M. O. of 
the Twelfth Massachusetts Infantry, the men whose enlistments had not ex- 
pired were trans, to the Thirty-ninth, and on the 13th, of July, '64, under 
similar circumstances, men were received from the Thirteenth Massachusetts. 
When, June 2, '65, the Thirty-ninth was prepairing to go home all members 
whose terms were not expiring were trans, to the Thirty-second Massachusetts 
and were M. O. with that organization June 29, 1865). 

In battle-names, Spottsylvania may include both Alsop's Farm and Laurel 
Hill. 

COMPANY A 

From South Danvers, after the War to become the town 
of Peabody. 

Captains 

George S. Nelson, 27, M.; tanner. South Danvers; August 
18, '62; res. March 2, 1865; had been commissioned 



Company A 341 

Captain in the Thirty-fifth, August 12, '62, and was 
trans, as above; at last account, Capt. Nelson's 
address was 880 Seminary Avenue, Chicago. 
As Acting Captain, 1st Lieut. Henry F. Felch of Company 
E commanded the Company on its return to Boston. 

First Lieutenants 

Emory Washburn, Jr., 24, — ; lawyer, Cambridge; Aug. 
25, '62; the son of Ex-Governor Emory Washburn, he 
was born in Worcester, Oct. 1, 1837; graduating from 
Harvard College in 1860, he had just taken his degree 
of LL. B. in 1862 when he was commissioned in the 
new regiment then forming; evidently his direct ser- 
vice, if any, in the Thirty-ninth was brief, for on the 
first Monthly Report he appears as detached and 
a member of the staff of General Charles Devens, also 
a Worcester man; in this capacity he did excellent 
work, as appears in the report of General Devens, 
after the battle of Fredericksburg, written Dec. 17, 
'62, wherein he says, " I am under especial obligations, 
for their zeal and fidelity, to my staff," including with 
two others, "my aide, Lieut. E. Washburn, Jr." It 
would appear that Adjutant Washburn returned to 
the Regiment for one week at Poolesville, Md., 
resigning, January 24, 1864; he died in 1885. 

Charles H. Porter, from 2d Lieut. Co. D, Jan. 25, '63; 
prom. Captain, Sept. 8, '64; not mustered; M. O. as 
1st Lieut. June 2, 1865; as a member of the Loyal 
Legion, Captain Porter was conspicuous in promoting 
its interests; was Junior Vice-Commander, 1897; 
Registrar, 1903-5; Recorder, 1906-11; no veteran of 
the Regiment took more interest in its annual reunions 
than did Captain Porter, and for years he was prac- 
tically its motive power. His papers on the cam- 
paigns in which he bore a part were valuable contribu- 
tions to the Massachusetts Military Historical Society. 
Born in Weymouth, 1843, he was only six weeks old 



342 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

when the family removed to Quincy; his early educa- 
tion was had in the Quincy High School; his business 
life was that of insurance; he was almost constantly 
in public life, twelve years on the School Board, three 
years Selectman, the First Mayor of Quincy, 1888, 
he was re-elected; several years on the State Board 
of Health; first Commander, Paul Revere Post, G. A. 
R. ; commissioned as Lieut. Colonel in Seventh M. 
V. M. by Governor Andrew, he was widely known as 
Colonel Porter; he was seven years Trustee of the 
Chelsea Soldiers' Home and was ever prominent in 
local business organizations and in Masonic Circles; 
d. Aug. 10, 1911. 

Second Lieutenants 

George H. Wiley, 23, M.; shoemaker. So. Danvers; Aug. 

18, '62; res. Jan. 7, '64; had been commissioned in the 

Thirty-fifth Aug. 12, '62, and was trans, as above; 

was 3d Lieut. Co. H, Fifth M. V. M., three mos. 

service; d. May 19, 1910, Boston. 
L. F. Wyman, Feb. 23, '64, from Co. K; returned to "K," 

Mar. 2, '64. 
Edwin Mills from Sergeant Major, Jan. 8, '64; dis. on 

account of wds. rec'd May 10, '64, Oct. 19, '64. 

Enlisted Men 

Adams, Francis D. (Corp.), 27, M.; upholsterer, Boston; 
July 9, '63; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, thence 
to the Thirty-ninth and later trans, to the Thirty- 
second and afterwards M. O. ; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, 
Weldon R. R. 

Adams, Joseph, 44, M.; mechanic, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 
wd. May 8, '64; dis. disa., Jan. 18, '64. 

Aitken, Samuel, 19, S. ; mason, Boston; June 26, '61, in 
Co. A, Twelfth Regiment; to compensate for pro- 
tracted absence without leave to Oct. 1, '63, he was 
trans, to the Thirty-second and thence M. O. 



Company A 343 

Ames, John, 21, S. ; laborer, Boston; July 9, '63; recruit 
to the Twelfth Infty., trans, thence to the Thirty- 
ninth; trans, to One Hundred Sixty-eighth Co., 
Second Batt. V. R. C; dis. June 7, '65. 

Andrews, Timothy, Jr., 33, M.; spar maker, Essex; Aug. 
18, '62; M. O. June 2, 1865; d. 1896. 

Badger, George H., 30, M.; shoemaker, Stoughton; Aug. 

18, '62; dis. disa., Oct. 22, '63. 

Bancroft, George W., Jr., 20, M.; teamster. So. Danvers; 
Aug. 18, '62; dis. May 20, '65— report of Adjutant 
General says, "ex. of s." 

Barden, Jonas P., 18, S. ; farmer, Lynnfield; Aug. 18, '62; 
k. June 22, '64, Petersburg, Va. 

Barnard, Henry, 21, S. ; stonecutter, Hanover; Aug. 15, 
'61; in Co, C, Twelfth Regiment by way of compen- 
sation for unexcused absence was, at last, trans, to 
Thirty-second Massachusetts Volunteers for final 
M. O. 

Batchelder, Benjamin A. (Wagoner); 40, M.; teamster, 
Chatham; trans. Sept. 7, '62, V. R. C; d. — . 

Bean, Thomas, b. Mar. 19, 1833; 29, M.; shoemaker, 
Easton; Aug. 18, '62; Corp. April 27, '63; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; shoemaker and farmer; 
in Legislature, 1870; has held all offices in G. A. R. 
Post; 1913, Easton. 

Belcher, John, 28, S.; shoemaker, Framingham; July 13, 

'63; dis. disa.. May 4, '65. 
Bemis, Winfield S., b. Nov. 16, 1844; 18, S. ; farmer, Stowe; 

Aug. 18, '62; trans. V. R. C. Jan. 18, '65; M. O. from 

Co. I, Eighteenth V. R. C. June 29, '65; lastmaker and 

shoemaker; 1913, West Medway. 
Bessom, Edward A., 25, M.; barber. So. Danvers; Aug. 

18, '62; prom. Corp., trans. Feb. 11, '64, Co. A, 

Twenty-fourth V. R. C; M. O. June 28, '65. 
Blaisdell, John O. (Corp.), 30, M.; shoecutter. So. Danvers; 

Aug. 18, '62; Sergt. June 1, '63; wd. Feb. 6, '65, 



344 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Hatcher's Run, Va. ; prom. 2d Lieut. June 7, '65; M. 

O. as Sergt. June 2, '65. 
Blauvelt, James, 42, M.; carpenter, Chatham; Aug. 18, 

'62; trans. July 9, '63, V. R. C. 
Bloomer, Joseph, N., 23, M.; mariner, Chatham; Aug. 18, 

'61; dis. disa., March 3, '63. 
Boodry, George J., 35, M.; bootmaker, Easton; Aug. 18, 

'62; prisoner from Aug. 19, '64, to Jan. 2, '65; M. O. 

June 2, '65. 
Bowker, Edward H., 21, S.; artist, Boston; Aug. 18, '62; 

trans., Jan. 5, '64, V. R. C; dis. disa., Aug. 20, '66, 

Fort Wayne, Mich., from Third Independent Co., 

V. R. C. 
Brennan, James, 21, S.; paper hanger, Boston; June 26, 

'61; in Twelfth Infty, re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Brett, Charles G., 19, S.; blacksmith, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 

Corp. May 1, '65,; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 
Brown, Frank P., 23, M.; telegrapher, Boston; June 28, 

'63; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Burnham, Daniel, 32, M.; farmer, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; k. 

May 11, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Burnham, Eli H., b. July 19, 1833; 29, M.; shoemaker. So. 

Danvers; Aug. 18, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Lynn. 
Burnham, George S.; 26, S.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64, Alsop's Farm; M.O. June 2, '65; 

1913, Essex. 
Burnham, George W., 32, M.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, 

'62; pris. Aug. 13, '64 to March 2, '65; M. O. June 13, 

'65; d. 1902. 
Burnham, James H., 19, S.; farmer, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 

wd. May 8,'64, Spottsylvania; M. O. May 11, '65; 1913, 

Essex. 
Burnham, Wilbur (Corp.), 20, S.; carpenter, Essex; Aug. 

18, '62; Sergt. Dec. 4, '62; d. May 21, '63. 
Butler, Benjamin F., 29, M.; currier, Salem; Aug. 18, '62; 

trans. Navy, April 21, '64. 



Company A 345 

Channel, John F., 19, S.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 29, '63. 
CHfford, James A., 23, S.; bookbinder, Boston; Aug. 18, 

'62; dis. disa., April 2, '63. 
Cole, George W., 20, S.; shoemaker, No. Bridgewater; 

Aug. 18, '62; Corp. March 17, '63; pris. Aug. 19, '64; 

M. O. June 2, '65; 1 French Ave., Brockton. 
Conant, Edward, 19, S.; pail maker, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 

Corp. April 29, '63; wd. May 8, '64; trans. Co. D, 

Twenty-fourth V. R. C; dis. June 27, '65. 
Cottrell, Jefferson T. (Sergt.), 21, — ; mariner, Bangor, 

Me.; x^ug. 18, '62; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania ; sup- 
posed to have d. in Rebel Prison. 
Cottrell, Justin W., 19, S.; mariner, Bangor, Me.; Aug. 18, 

'62; Corp. Sept. 20, '62; Sergt. Feb. 11, '64; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; d. Parole Camp, Annapolis, Md., Sept. 10, 

'64. 
Cunningham, Eugene B., 22, S.; mechanic, Saxton's River, 

Vt.; Aug. 18, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 13, '63. 
Curran, John, 21, — ; — , Boston, cr. Canton; July 1, '63; 

trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Darling, Ezekial B., 29, M.; shoemaker, So. Danvers; Aug. 

18, '62; wd. Feb. 6, '65, Hatcher's Run; M. O. June 2, 

'65. 
Dean, Samuel D., 19, S.; shoe dresser. No. Bridgewater; 

Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Feb. 11, '64; k. March 31, '65, 

White Oak Roads, Va. 
Dodge, Harrison A. (Sergt.), 22, S.; tanner. So. Danvers; 

Aug. 18, '62; trans. V. R. C. March 18, '64. 
Dodge, John P. (Corp.), 29, M.; tanner. So. Danvers; 

Aug. 18, '62; Sergt. Sept. 30, '63; 1st Sergt. Feb. 11, 

'64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Jan. 15, ^65; 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Doyle, William A., 21, — ;— , Charlestown; July 9, '63; 

from the Twelfth Infty., Co. C; trans, to the Thirty- 
second and thence M. O. 



346 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Dyer, Lewis R., 17, S. ; printer, Lowell; June 26, '61, in 
Twelfth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans, and prom. 
Sergt. June 25, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Eischman, John, 26, — ; shoemaker, Marblehead; a recruit 
to the Thirteenth Infty., where he is entered as 
Ehrman, Co. A, and trans, to V. R. C, July 14, '64; 
however, his name is among those coming from the 
Thirteenth and is duly trans, to the Thirty-second, 
where he is recorded as "absent, sick"; the chances 
are that he never saw either the Thirty-ninth or the 
Thirty-second. 

Eldridge, Prince, Jr., 31, M.; mariner, Chatham; Aug. 18, 
'62; trans. Navy, April 21, '64; dis. disa., Naval 
Hosp'l, Norfolk, Va., April 19, '65; d. 

Ellis, Daniel W., 18, S.; mariner, Chatham; Aug. 18, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; Car\'er. 

Evans, William S., 21, S. ; brickmaker, Danvers; Aug. 18, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Feb. 3, '65, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Fannon, John 38, S. ; operator, Lawrence; July 16, '63; 
recruit to the Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Field, William, 48, M.; mechanic, Harwich; Aug. 18, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; b. 1800; was a soldier in the Mexi- 
can War, the oldest man in the Regiment; dead. 

Fish, Henry F., 22, M.; laborer, Milton; July 17, '63; re- 
cruit to the Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to the Thirty-ninth, 
thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

Flint, James F., 30, M.; shoemaker. So. Danvers; Aug. 18, 
'62; dis. disa., June 11, '63; d. 

Flynn, Daniel B., 18, S. ; shoemaker, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. June 29, '65. 

Fogg, Joseph 24, S.; tanner. So. Danvers; Aug. 18, '62; 
dis. disa., Feb. 19, '63. 

Foster, Henry, 21, S.; boatman, Lowell, cr. Brighton; 
July 24, '63; recruit to the Thirteenth Infty; trans, to 



Company A 347 

the Thirty-ninth, and thence to the Thirty-second 
and M. O. 

Freeman, Warren H., 18, S.; clerk, Boston; Dec. 1, '61; 
recruit to the Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to the Thirty- 
ninth and dis. Sept. 13, '64, S. O. W. D., No. 86. 

Gibbs, John K., 44, M.; laborer, So. Danvers; Aug. 18, '62; 
d., a prisoner, Dec. 2, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Goodwin, Charles M., 26, M.; brickmaker, Boxford, Aug. 
18, '62; wd. May 10, '64, Laurel Hill; Pris. Aug. 19, 
'64; dis. May 15, '65, ex. of s. ; Beverly. 

Gould, Charles (Mus.), 23, M.; powder maker. So. Danvers; 
en. July 26, '62; des. Aug. 7, '62. 

Gould, William A. 18, S.; Mariner, Chatham; Aug. 18, '62; 
wd. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Guilford, Jacob O., 21, S. ; shoemaker, Middleton; Aug. 18, 
'62; dis. disa., Dec. 29, '63. 

Guppy, George F., 25, M.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, 
'62; dis. disa., Sept. 9, '62. 

Hampton, Samuel, 45, M.; physician, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 
Pris. June 5, '64; d. on or about Sept. 20, '64, Ander- 
sonville, Ga. 

Hanson, Charles W. (IstSergt.), 26, M.; clerk. So. Danvers; 
Aug. 18, '62; Sergt. Major, Dec. 6, '62; prom. 2d Lieut. 
Jan. 25, '63; vid. Co. H. 

Haskell, Albert S., 19, S. ; blacksmith, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Feb. 2, '65, Salis- 
bury, N. C. 

Hebard, Henry J. A., 18, S.; engineer, Milton; July 21, '61; 
en. in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth and dis. Sept. 21, '64, O. W. D. 

Hegner, Anthony P. (Corp.), 18, S.; locksmith, Lynnfield; 
Aug. 18, '62; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; dis. disa., 
Oct. 3, '64. 

Henry Abial R., 29, S.; carpenter, Boston; July 14, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 



348 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Hilton, William L., 23, S.; painter, Medfield; Feb. 13, '62; 
recruit to Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth 
and dis. Feb. 12, '65, ex. of s. 

Hunting, Willard, 24, M.; Aug. 18, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 
Weldon R. R.; d. Dec. 5, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Jones, Asa L., b. June 20, 1840; 22, S; Aug. 18, '62 ; mariner, 
Harwich; Corp. Dec. 1, '62; Sergt. March 17, '63; 
prom. Lieut. Sixth U. S. C. T., Sept. 15, '63; wd. before 
Petersburg, June 15, '64; dis. disa., Sept. 22, '64; mer- 
chant, pilot, fishermaster, seven years; capt. of a 
lightship eleven years; keeper of lighthouse and 
undertaker since 1889; from 1892 to 1897, inclusive, 
Selectman; 1913, Harwich. 

Johnson, George, 21, S.; shoemaker, Brunswick, Me.; 
Aug. 18, '62; des. Feb. 11, '63. 

Knapp, Charles P., b. Sept. 13, 1843; 18, S.; farmer. Need- 
ham; Aug. 18, '62; trans. V. R. C, Feb. 5, '64; dis. 
from Co. I, V. R. C, July 3, '65; as patient, guard and 
nurse in smallpox hospital, Washington, May 17, '63 — 
Aug. '64; guard duty, Elmira and Syracuse, N. Y., 
till April, '65; same duty in Indianapolis, Ind., till 
M. O.; farmer and machinist; 1913, Caryville. 

Kraetzer, Julius F., 20, S. clerk, Boston; July 16, '61; en. 
in Thirteenth Infty. and re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth and thence trans, to Thirty-second and 
M. O. 

Lee, Edward, 35, M.; blacksmith, Boston; en. July 14, '63; 
recruit in Co. I, Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to the 
Thirty-ninth, and des. Nov. 14, '64. 

Livermore, Lorenzo D., 26, S.; yeoman, Spencer; July 14, 
'63; in Twelfth Infty., Co. I; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. ; was wd., 
shoulder. Wilderness, while in the Twelfth; b. So. 
Royalton, Vt. ; Livermore had served in Co. H, Tenth 
Mass., Infty.; wd. at Fair Oaks, he was dis. Oct. 27, 
'62, for disa. and later was drafted; d. Leicester, Sept. 
22, '85; bur. in Old Cemetery. 



Company A 349 

McArthur, Peter, 30, M.; farmer. So. Danvers; Aug. 18, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. June, 1896. 
Mansfield, William O., 21, S.; farmer, Lynnfield; Aug. 18, 

'62; dis. disa., June 10, '63; Wakefield. 
Marteau, Ludovic, 28, S.; baker, Worcester; July 24, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Maxwell, John, 31, M.; July 13, '63; laborer, Spencer; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. ; d. May, '96, Spencer, bur. 

St. Mary's Cemetery. 
Mears, Rufus E., 21, M.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 

d., a prisoner, Salisbury, N. C, Oct. 27, '64. 
Mears, Samuel, Jr., 37, M.; laborer, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 

dis. disa., Dec. 23, '63; en. V. R. C. July 30, '64; dis. 

Nov. 21, '65, O. W. D.; d. 
Mentzell, Herman, 21, M.; merchant, Amesbury; June 

28, '63; recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M, O. 
Mentzer, Moses H., b. Oct. 19, 1843; 18, S.; painter, Stowe; 

Aug. 18, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; painter and farmer; 

Com'der, G. A. R. Post; 1913, Bolton. 
Mentzer, William A., Jr., b. Nov. 7, 1841, Worcester; 21, 

M.; grocer. Maiden; Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Sept. 20, '62; 

Sergt. Sept. 22, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; provisions, 

farming and teaming; 1913, Hudson. 
Merrifield, Jos. A. (Sergt.), 26, M.; — , Boston; Aug. 

18, '62; Sergt. Major Feb. 20, '63; 2d Lieut. Sept. 20, 

'63; 1st Lieut. May 4, '64; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsyl- 

vania; res. Jan. 14, '65. 
Miles, Edward P., 19, M.; farmer, Marlborough; Aug. 18, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R., to May 18, '65; 

M. O. June 2, '65; d. 1904. 
Milliken, James (Corp.), 22, M.; shoecutter. So. Danvers; 

Aug. 18, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Mitchell, Isaac H., b. July 10, 1836; 25, M.; shoemaker, 

Lynnfield; Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Sept. 22, '64; wd. March 



350 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

31, '65; White Oak Roads; no M. O.; carpenter, po- 
liceman, constable; 1913, Lynnfield. 

Mitchell, Jonathan H., 33, M.; shoemaker, Lynnfield; Aug. 
18, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Sept. 
3, 1891. 

Mitchell, Samuel H., b. Nov. 2, 1844; 18, S.; shoemaker, 
Lynnfield; Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Nov. 13, '62; at Five 
Forks captured two rebels and turned them over to the 
Provost Marshal; shoe business; two years in Boston 
City Council; 1895-6 in Massachusetts Legislature; 
M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Brighton. 

Morse, Benjamin G., 25, — ; shoemaker, Boston; Feb. 13, 
'62; in the Twelfth Infty., Co. D; trans, to the Thirty- 
ninth and dis. March 23, '65, ex. of s. 

Morse, Daniel F., 18, S.; shoemaker, Needham; Aug. 18, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 

Moulton, William J., 20, S.; farmer, Lynnfield; Aug. 18, 
'62; M. O. June 2, '65, in Co. E; d. 1905, Wakefield. 

Mullen, Patrick, 23, M.; laborer, Boston; July 14, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Murphy, James, 33, M.; shoemaker, Stoneham; Oct. 12, 
'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Myers, William, 38, M.; shoemaker, So. Danvers; Aug. 
18, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Nichols, Wendell G., 24, S. ; farmer, Lynnfield; Aug. 18, 
'62; k. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R. 

Nutting, Albion, 34, M.; machinist, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 
d. Oct. 14, '64, Washington, D. C. 

Ordway, Lewis E., 18, S.; farmer, Roxbury; Feb. 9, '64; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. May 20, '65, ex. of s. 

Osborne, Paul, 22, S.; shoemaker. So. Danvers; Aug. 18, 
'62; d. of wounds, Oct. 26, '64. 

Packard, Svlvanus C, 18, S. ; shoemaker, No. Bridgewater; 
Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Sept. 27, '63; Pris. Weldon R. R., 
Aug. 19, '64, to March 2, '65; M. O. July 14, '65; d. 



Company A 351 

Patterson, Joseph R., 22, M.; butcher, So. Danvers; Aug. 
18, '62; dis. disa., Feb. 19, '63. 

Perkins, John H., 23, M.; teamster, Danvers; Aug. 18, '62; 
had been prisoner of war; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Pierce, John, Jr., 22, S.; Aug. 18, '62; dis. disa., Jan. 2, '63. 

Plummer, Nathan F., Jr., 26, M.; clerk, Boston; July 9, 
'62; recruit to the Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

Powell, David, 18, S.; farmer, So. Danvers; Aug. 18, '62; 
wd. May 5, '64; M. O. July 1, '65; Saugus. 

Purcell, George J., 18, S.; laborer, So. Danvers; en. Aug. 
6, '62; trans. Sept. 18, '64, from Co. H to V. R. C. 

Purington, William E., 18, S.; farmer, So. Danvers; Aug. 
18, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '63, to V. R. C. 

Reynolds, Marcus (Mus.), 19, S. ; clerk, No. Bridgewater; 
Aug. 27, '63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Richardson, Francis S., 24, S.; farmer, Lynnfield; Aug. 18, 
'62; M. O.June 2, '65 ;d. 

Richardson, William L., 20, S.; hostler, Salem; Aug. 18, 
'62; M. O. June 2, '65; Cambridgeport. 

Roy, John, 25, M.; seaman, Boston; Sept. 18, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Ryder, Alvah (Corp.), 48, M.; mariner; Aug. 18, '62; dis. 
disa., Nov. 26, '62. 

Saunders, Charles R. P., 31, M.; carpenter, Newburyport; 
Aug. 18, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 1906. 

Sawyer, James M., 19, S. ; farmer, Sudbury; Aug. 18, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. July 18, '65; 
Clinton. 

Schoen, Frederick, 30, M.; clerk, Worcester; July 25, '63; 
recruit to the Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

Schwartz, Jacob, 28, S.; clerk, Taunton; July 28, '63; 
recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 



352 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Shaw, Zenas, 3S, M,; shoemaker, Halifax; Aug. 18, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Simonds, George N. (Mus.), 32, M.; clerk, So. Danvers; 
Aug. 18, '62; wd. May 5, '64, Wilderness; M. O. July 
12, '65. 

Small, Thomas E., b. Feb. 17, 1844; 18, S.; mariner, Har- 
wich; Aug. 18, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; for past seven- 
teen years, carrier of U. S. mail, passengers and ex- 
press; many years secretary and treasurer Board of 
Trustees, M. E. Church; 1913, So. Harwich. 

Smalley, Henry, b. Feb. 12, 1842; 20, S.; mariner, Harwich; 
Aug. 18, '62; Corp. Sept. 30, '63; M. O. June 2, '65; 
cashier, B. & M. R. R., since Oct., 1867; 1913, Win- 
chester. 

Smith, Cyrus D., 21, — ; — , So. Danvers; N. F. R. 

Smith, George, 21, S. ; laborer, Bangor, Me.; Aug. 18, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Smith, Nathaniel, 21, S.; farmer, Chatham; Aug. 18, '62; 
dis. disa., June 12, '63. 

Snow, Eric M., 42, M.; harness maker, Chatham; Aug. 18, 
'62; dis. disa., March 26, '63. 

Spencer, Roland J., 18, S.; hostler, Nantucket; Aug. 18, 
'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Stevens, Elbridge, 18, S.; Aug. 18, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, 
Weldon R. R. ; d. rebel Prison, Richmond, Va., date 
unknown. 

Story, Asa, 33, M.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; d. 
Nov. 11, '62, Washington, D. C. 

Summers, George M., 34, M.; shoemaker, Lynnfield; Aug. 
18, '62; M. O. July 12, '65. 

Tyler, John O., 24, S. ; morocco dresser, Salem; Aug. 18, 
'62; trans. Navy, April 21, '64; Lynn. 

Varnum, John, 24, M.; shoemaker, Essex; Aug. 18, '62; 
wd. May 12, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Whitcomb, George F., 18, S.; farmer, Stowe; Aug. 18, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Jan. 2, '65, Salis- 
bury, N. C. 



Company B 353 

Whiting, Walter B., 21, S.; bookbinder, Boston; Aug. 18, 

'62; dis. disa., Oct. 23, '62. 
Wiley, Samuel (Sergt.), 21, S.; shoemaker, So. Danvers; 

Aug. 18, '62; missing after July 16, '64; supposed to 

have been murdered by guerrillas. 

COMPANY B 

Roxbury 

Captain 

William W. Graham, 33, S.; machinist, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; wd. May 10, '64; prom. Major, June 7, '65; not 
mustered; M. O. as Captain June 2, '65. 

First Lieutenants 

William T. G. Spear, 27, M.; tradesman, Roxbury; Aug. 
20, '62; k. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; the Lieutenant, 
on account of ill health, had resigned before leaving 
Mitchell's Station, the resignation had been accepted, 
but the notification was lost in a mass of papers at 
headquarters, and was not found till after his death; 
very far from being religiously inclined, Lieut. Spear's 
whole nature was changed by certain revival meetings 
at Mitchell's during the winter, and when his death- 
stroke came his constant and only words, till death 
sealed his lips, were, ''What a blessed thing is religion." 

Joseph A. Merrifield, from Co. D, May 4, '64; wd. May 8, 
'64; res. Jan. 14, 1865. 

Melville C. Parkhurst (B), prom. Captain, June 7, '65; 
not mustered; M. O. June 2, '65, as 1st Lieut.; long 
Chief of Police, Somerville; 1913, Somerville. 

Second Lieutenants 

Julius M. Swain, 26, S.; cashier, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
trans, to U. S. Signal Corps, March 3, '63; bvt. 1st 



354 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Lieut, and Captain U. S. Vols. March 13, '65; res. 

June 14, '65; dead. 
T. Cordis Clarke, from Co. E; dis. disa., July 19, '64; on 

detached service Aug. 10, '63; Ordnance Dept., 2d 

Div. 1st Army Corps. 
Melville C. Parkhurst, from Co. E; prom. 1st Lieut. (B), 

Jan. 15, '65. 
Charles H. Perkins, from Co. D, March 1, '65; Com. Sept. 

8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 

Enlisted Men 

Adams, George E., 25, S.; sawyer, Boston; July 22, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. 

Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R. ; trans, to Thirty-second 

and M. O. 
Allison, Joseph, Jr. (Sergt.), 38, M.; boiler-maker, Rox- 

bury; Aug. 20, '62; prom. 1st Sergt.; wd. June 19, '64, 

Petersburg, Va. ; d. July 10, '64. 
Andrews, George A., 22, M.; teamster, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; prom. Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Arnold, Edwin L. (Corp.), 20, S. ; machinist, Adams; Aug. 

20, '62; dis. disa., June 30, '63. 
Arnold, William, Jr., 28, M.; moulder, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Stoneham. 
Backup, James B., 18, S. ; clerk, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 

dis. July 17, '63, for commission. Thirty-sixth U. S. 

C. T.; 2d Lieut. Aug. 13, '63; 1st Lieut. May 1, '64; 

Capt. Oct. 21, '64; dis. Jan. 23, '65. 
Bartlett, Abner D. (Corp.), 34, M.; pattern-maker; 

Blackstone; Aug. 20, '62; dis. Feb. 4, '63. 
Bartlett, John L., 45, M.; rope maker, Roxbury; Aug. 31, 

'62; dis. disa., June 3, '63. 
Batcheller, Holland M., 43, M.; provisions, Needham; Aug. 

20, '62; dis. May 5, '63, for Commission, U. S. C. T. 
Bell, James H., 26, M.; shoemaker, Ashland; July 21, '63; 

recruit to the Twelfth Infty., Co. H; trans, to Thirty- 



Company B 355 

ninth; prom. Corp. March 1, '65; trans, to Thirty- 
second and, M. O. 

Bennett, Alden B. (Mus.), 44, — ; — , Boston; June 10, 
'63; evidently a recruit; trans, to the Thirty-second 
and M. O. 

Bennett, Harrison M., b. March 22, 1843; 19, S.; farmer, 
Springfield; Aug. 30, '62; prom. Corp.; wd. May 10, 
'64, Laurel Hill; dis. disa., Dec. 24, '64; graduated in 
Law, National University, 1870, Washington, D. C, 
also in Medicine, Howard LTniversity; practiced medi- 
cine 10 years, since then, clerk Treasury Dep't, Wash- 
ington, 1913, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. 

Betts, Charles R., 25, S.; July 24, '63; recruit to Twelfth 
Infty., Co. A.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Bills, Walter M., 26, S.; fireman, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Jan. 24, '65, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Blake, Daniel P., 27, M.; shoemaker, Halifax; Aug. 23, '62; 
wd. June 23, '64, Petersburg; trans. V. R. C, Jan. 10, 
'65; also recorded as dis. Dec. 2, '64, Rendezvous, Va. ; 
vide letter, W. D., Jan. 6, 1888; 1913, Halifax. 

Briggs, Arthur M., 33, M.; teamster, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. disa., Dec. 16, '62. 

Brown, George, 23, S.; farmer, Southborough ; July 16, '61; 
in Thirteenth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans. toThirty- 
ninth thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

Bryant, Roscoe L., b. July 12, 1849, Woburn; (Mus.), 
13, S. ; carpenter, Woburn; Aug. 20, '62; M. O. June 2, 
'65. 

Burns, James, 41, M.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; Pris. 
Dec. 11, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Butske, Carl, 30, S.; baker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; died, 
no date or place. 

Carleton, William, 31, S. ; mason, Boston; Aug. 20, '62; k. 
May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 



356 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Cassidy, John, 27, S. ; laborer, Boston; July 20, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty. Co. B; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Chapin, Charles H., 24, M.; artist, Boston; July 9, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
des. March 4, '65. 

Childs, John F., 21, M.; shoemaker, Natick; March 11, 
'62; recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence dis. March 11, '65, ex. of s. 

Clarke, T. Cordis (1st Sergt.), 19, S. ; clerk, Roxbury 
prom. Sergt. Major, Dec. 8, '62. 

Crafts, William G., 18, S. ; painter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62 
dis. disa., Nov. 12, '62. 

Cronan, Daniel, 19, S.; plumber, Boston; June 26, '61 
according to rolls, but '62 would accord better with the 
record; trans, from Co. B, Twelfth Infty. to the 
Thirty-ninth and thence dis. June 2, '65, ex. of s. 

Cunningham, Martin, 22, S. ; laborer, Acton; Sept. 26, 63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R. ; escaped from train on 
southern way; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Curtis, John M., 45, M.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
dis. disa., June 9, '63. 

Dailey, John, 23, S. ; lather, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; dis. 
disa., July 17, '63. 

Daly, James, 24, S. ; silversmith, Boston; June 26, '61; en. 
Co. B, Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
des. 1865 ; he had already des. in first enlistment and 
had come back. 

Davis, Edward S., 18, S.; plumber, Roxbury; prom. Sergt.; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. March 20, '65. 

Davis, Gardner C, 28, S. ; fireman, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
prom. Sergt.; missing May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 

Devines, David S. (Corp.), 33, M.; tinsmith, Roxbury; 
Aug. 20, '62; des. May 6, '63. 

Diguer, Richard, 34, M.; blacksmith, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. disa., Feb. 18, '65. 



Company B 357 

Doyle, Patrick, 19, S.; paper stamper, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; Corp. March 1, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Draper, Curtis W., 18, S. ; shoemaker, Wayland; Aug. 20, 
'62 ; Corp. March 1, '65 ; M. O. June 2, '65 ; b. Wayland, 
Sept. 27th, '46, he was not quite 16 years old at enlist- 
ment; was in every battle and skirmish in which the 
Thirty-ninth took part, never lost a day's duty and 
never was struck by an enemy's missile, save once, 
and then it was a spent bullet; youngest soldier from 
the town. 

Dudley, Charles, 20, S.; farmer, Wayland; June 26, '61; in 
Co. B, Twelfth Infty. ; des. and came back; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth, thence trans, to Thirty-second, to make 
up time, and was M. O. June 29, '65. 

Dyer, Simon D., 43, S.; bookkeeper, Roxbury; en. Aug. 3, 
'62; N. F. R. 

Edmands, Thomas, 18, S. ; paper hanger, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; en. in Rebel 
Army. 

Ernest, Anet, 20, S.; farmer, Baltimore, cr. Springfield; 
Sept. 20, '64; July 13, '64, he had en. as 21 years old, 
a Boston shoemaker, in Co. A of the Fifth M. V. M., 
100 days; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Fisher, Andrew J., 22, M.; bootmaker, en. Concord, N. H., 
cr. Boston; July 27, '63; recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; 
trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and 
M. O. 

Fizzell, James, 18, —; plumber , Springfield; Sept. 20, '64; 
from Co. A, Fifth M. V. M., 100 days, where he was 
carried as Frizzell; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Flanagan, Anthony, 23, S.; lather, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Foley, John E., 3S, M.; tailor, Boston; Aug. 20, '62; dis., 
May 3, '65, O. W. D. 

Frahm, Louis, 40, M.; shoemaker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
k. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R. 



358 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Frederick, Benjamin B., 34, M.; carriage painter, Roxbury; 

Aug. 20, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 4, '63. 
Gallagher, Edward, 30, M.; laborer, Boston; Aug. 1, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Gordon, Horace, F., 36, M.; shoemaker, Roxbury, Aug. 

20, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Green, John W., 25, M.; teamster, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 

missing. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Gunning, John, 25, M.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d., prison hospital, Dec. 10, '64, 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Ham, Henry A., 28, S.; clerk, Boston; July 27, '63; recruit 

to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Henry, Daniel, 33, M.; piano maker; Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; k. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Hicks, William L., 18, S.; clerk, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 

dis. disa., Nov. 11, '63. 
Hiedenway, David, 37, M.; shoemaker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; dis. June 9, '65; roll also says ^'d. Dec. 14, '66"; 

vid. p. 52 of the narrative. 
Holbrook, Silas P., 28, S. ; clerk, Dorchester; July 16, '61; 

in Thirteenth Infty., re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence dis., S. O. W. D., July 19, '64, 

for Commission, 2d Lieutenant, Forty-fifth U. S. C. T. 

res. April 25, '65. 
Howard, Ephraim F., 18, S. ; blacksmith. No. Bridgewater 

Aug. 20, '62; trans. V. R. C, Sept. 30, '63; dis. Aug 

25, '64, from 102d Co., Second Batt. V. R. C. 
Huggins, Arthur H., 22, S. ; plumber, Boston; Aug. 20, '62 

dis. disa., Sept. 19, '63. 
Hunter, James, 22, S. ; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62 

dis. disa., Feb. 6, '64. 
Hunter, Robert L., 44, M.; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62 ; absent at M.O. in Philadelphia; vide letter, W. D., 

Jan. 22, '94. 



Company B 359 

Jones, William, 21, S.; bootmaker, Taunton; Aug. 4, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Kelly, Edward, 43, M.; carder, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
trans. V. R. C, Sept. 16, '63; dis. disa., Oct. 24, '65, 
from Sixteenth Co., Second Batt. V. R. C. 

Kelly, John, 20, S.; ropemaker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
d. Nov. 26, '64, Washington, D. C. 

Kelly, William, 39, M.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
trans. Jan. 5, '64, V. R. C. ; dis. from Third Indepen- 
dent Co., V. R. C, Aug. 29, '66. 

Killduff, James, 37, M.; ropemaker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
d. a prisoner, Nov. 27, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Landgreve, George, 39, M.; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; missing, May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 

Leach, Rodney M., 28, M.; bootmaker. No. Bridgewater; 
July 16, '63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

Ledwith, John, 21, S.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
prom. Corp.; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Peabody. 

Lewis, Edward H., 18, S.; clerk, Stoneham; Aug. 20, '62; 
prom. Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; 
1913, 22 Quincy Street, Chicago; though b. in Rox- 
bury, Jan. 5, 1845, his life has been spent largely in 
the West; his well kept diary was drawn upon in the 
making of this history; he is a member of U. S. Grant 
Post 28, Dept. of 111. 

Loker, James D. (Sergt.), 34, M.; policeman, Roxbury; 
Aug. 20, '62; d. Dec. 30, '62, Poolesville, Md. 

Lull, Stephen, 29, M.; shoemaker, Halifax; Aug. 20, '62; 
June 2, '65. 

Macarty, Edward H., 22, S.; provisions, Roxbury; Aug. 
20, '62; d. April 29, '65. 

McDonald, George, b. 1844; 18, S.; laborer, Middleborough; 
en. Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; escaped; M. O. 
June 2, '65; machinist; ass't. chief, Fire Dep't; 1913, 
Pawtucket, R. I. 



360 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

McDonald, John, 35, M.;en. Aug. 31, '62;wd. May 10, '64, 

Spottsylvania ; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Mackenzie, Daniel, 29, M.; baker, Roxbury; Aug. 31, '62 

dis. disa., July 19, '63. 
McNeil, William C, 32, M.; painter, Boston; July 13, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
McNulty, Thomas, 33, M.; porter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62 

wd. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. June 2, '65. 
McPherson, John J., 25, S.; baker, Boston; Oct. 8, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth and 

M. O. May 19, '65. 
Melton, Joseph L., 30, M.; shoemaker, Halifax; Aug. 20, 

'62; d. Nov. 9, '63, Alexandria, Va. 
Milner, Thomas K., 34, M.; Carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; d. April 29, '65. 
Mitchell, Franklin A., 41, S.; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; d. from wds. June 2, '64, according to the rolls, 

but G. V. Shedd's diary has it June 20. 
Mohan, Terrance P., 18, S. ; painter, Boston; Aug. 20, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; paroled, Oct. 7, '64; 

M. O. May 18, '65. 
Moore, Sidney, 19, S.; farmer, Westport; Oct. 12, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, as "returned deserter" ; 

N. F. R. ; not carried to roll of the Thirty-second. 
Morgan, John, 33, M.; butcher, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 

dis. disa., April 22, '63. 
Moses, George F., b. Aug. 24, 1843; 19, S.; farmer, Milton; 

Aug. 20, '62; lost left arm. May 10, '64, Laurel Hill; 

dis. disa., March 17, '65; for many years, watchman 

at State House, Boston; resides in Roxbury, 1913. 
Monroe, James, 18, S. ; farmer, Provincetown ; Oct. 19, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Murphy, Thomas, 24, S.; farmer, Charlton; July 25, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company B 361 

Murray, Patrick, 21, S.; painter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
wd. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania ; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Noble, Joseph A., S3, M.; painter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
dis. Dec. 22, '63; later in Co. H Fifty-sixth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry. 

Nolan, Patrick, 39, M.; brass finisher, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; wd. no time or place given; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Nute, Joseph, 40, M.; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
dis. June 29, '65. 

Palmer, Rensilleir L. (Corp.), 34, M.; piano key maker, 
Roxbury; Aug. 20, '64; Sergt. March 1, '65; M. O. 
June 2, '65. 

Perkins, Henry S., 21, M.; provisions, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. as Corp. June 16, '64, O. W. D. 

Perkins, Jonathan, 36, M.; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
M. O. July 10, '65. 

Plympton, William P., 23, S.; mechanic, Springfield; Sept. 
20, '64; M. O. June 14, '65; had been dis. Sept. 19, 
from Co. A, Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia 
(100 days), to re-en. here; 1910, Insurance, South- 
bridge. 

Pyne, Frederick (Sergt.), 29, M.; carpenter, Roxbury; 
Aug. 20, '62; prom. 1st Sergt.; dis. O. W. D., July 29, 
'63. 

Reaney, Patrick, 26, W. ; laborer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Feb. 26, '65, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Rich, Giles H. (Sergt.), 21, S.; lawyer, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. June 20, '63, Washington, D. C, for Captain's 
Commission, First U. S. C. T. ; prom. Lieut. Colonel, 
Oct. 13, '64; M. O. Sept. 29, '65, Roanoke Island, N. C. 

Richardson, William R., 32, M.; teamster, Roxbury; Aug. 
20, '62; prom. Sergt.; 1st Sergt., March 1, '65; M. O. 
June 2, '65. 

Ricker, Oliver P., b. 1837; 26, M.; expressman, Roxbury; 
Aug. 20, '62; prom. Sergt.; prom. 2d Lieut. Sept. 8, 
'64; dis., June 6, '65; clerk; 1913, Dorchester. 



362 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Robinson, Andrew J. (Corp.), 28, M.; mason, Roxbury 
Aug. 20, '62; M. O. June 18, '65. 

Robinson, John R., 24, S. ; mason, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62 
Pris., Aug. 19, '64; d. Dec. 6, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Roland, Richard, 20, S. ; waiter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62 
dis. disa., June 9, '63. 

Rosemere, Conrad (Corp.), 22, S. ; pattern maker, Roxbury 
Aug. 20, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; as Rosemeyer, he had 
served from May 24 to Aug. 31, '61, in the First Massa- 
chusetts Infantry. 

Russell, Edmund, 27, M.; farmer, Wayland; Aug. 20, '62; 
by the fall of a tree, his leg was broken March 7, '63; 
on recovery he was sent to Readville, Mass. and de- 
tailed as cook; dis. May 16, '65; went West. 

Saunders, Abraham, 25, M.; carpenter, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. disa., June 9, '63. 

Schaffer, Henry, 27, — ; clerk. Concord; July 22, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. 
March 31, '65, Hatcher's Run; trans, to Thirty-second 
and M. O. 

Schroeffel, Phillip (Mus.), 35, M.; — , Roxbury; M. O. 
June 2, '65; 1913, Roxbury. 

Scott, Peter F., 42, M.; laborer, Taunton; July 25, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Shea, Peter E., 32, M.; rope maker, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
dis. disa., Nov. 16, '62. 

Shedd, Albert A., 23, S.; tradesman, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. April 12, '64 for Commission in Forty-third, 
U. S. C. T. 

Shedd, George V., 21, S.; clerk, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; his diary enters largely in the his- 
tory; 1913, Preston, Conn. 

Skinner, George F., 19, S. ; carpenter, So. Reading; Aug. 
20, '62; wd. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. June 
2, '65. 



Company B 363 

Smith, Charles H., 26, M.; seaman, Boston; July 29, '63; 

recruit to Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

wd. March 31, '65, Hatcher's Run; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 
Smith, Henry R., 23, S. ; farmer, Ashland; July 21, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to the Thirty-ninth; 

Pris.; d. Nov. 6, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Smith, Peter, 30, M.; laborer, Adams; July 14, '63; recruit 

to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to the Thirty-ninth, thence 

to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Smith, Sidney, Jr., 21, S.; machinist, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; M.O.June 2, '65. 
Somerby, Frank (Corp.), 20, S.; clerk, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Roxbury. 
Spellan, Dennis, 41, M.; farmer, Southborough; Dec. 22, 

'63 ; recruit to Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Stepper, Joseph, Jr., 19, S. ; moulder, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Stevens, Charles E., 18, — ; student, Springfield; Sept. 

20, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; had been dis. Sept. 18, '64, 

from Co. A Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia to 

re-en. here. 
Strickland, William, 23, — ; butcher. Canton; Aug. 4, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; trans, to Thirty-second 

and M. O. 
Strong, Edward A., 31, S. ; farmer, Gt. Barrington; July 15, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Stuart, Thomas , 24, — ; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 4, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth ; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64; d. Dec. 4, '64. 
Sturtevant, Henry B., 20, S.; cordwainer, Stoneham; June 

26, '61; had deserted from Co. D, Twelfth Infty., 

Sept., 8, '61 ; was arrested Sept. 2, '64, and sent to the 



364 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Thirty-ninth to serve out term; trans, to the Thirty- 
second and M. O. 

Sullivan, Dennis O., 23, M.; lather, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Sullivan, Thomas, 21, S. ; laborer, Roxbury; Dec. 21, '63; 
wd. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania ; dis. disa., no date; 
1913, Roxbury. 

Swain, Edwin A. (Corp.), 29, S.; tradesman, Roxbury; 
Aug. 20, '62; prom. Sergt.; dis. Dec. 3, '63, for Com- 
mission in Third U. S. C. T. 

Swan, Charles, 21, S.; teamster, Springfield; July 15, '63; 
recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Feb. 2, '65, Salisbury, 
N.C. 

Sweat, Charles W., 29, S. ; machinist, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Symmes, Alfred, 42, M.; organ builder, Roxbury; Aug. 30, 
'62; dis. disa., July 6, '63. 

Taft, Isaac D., 31, S.; farmer, Uxbridge; July 18, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Turner, Charles, 21, S.; groom, Boston; July 29, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; des. from 
hospital, no date given. 

Tyree, John C, 18, S. ; laborer, Springfield; Sept. 20, '64; 
M. O. June 2, '65; had been dis., Sept. 19, '64, from 
Co. A, Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (100 
days), to re-en. here. 

Wadsworth, Charles, 30, S.; moulder, Plymouth; July 17, 
'63; recruit to the Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth; Pris.; d. Nov. 11, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Warren, George, 22, S.; agent, Boston; July 9, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Wheeler, George, 40, S.; teamster, Roxbury; Aug. 20, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 



Company C 365 

White, William H., 38, M.; carpenter, Brookline; Aug. 20, 
'62; dis. disa., Jan. 21, '63. 

Whitman, Henry B., 25, M.; shoe cutter, Middleborough; 
July 14, '63; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth; dis. May 15, '65, O. W. D. 

Whitaker, Channing, 18, S.; farmer, Needham; en. Sept. 
2, '62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. June 19, '65 ; graduated 
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1869, 
as Civil Engineer, in which Department, for a number 
of following years, he was a professor; during his later 
years he was Consulting Mechanic and Patent Engi- 
neer with the Lowell Machine Shops, with residence 
in Tyngsboro; d. July 23, 1913; his contributions to 
this history are prominent features. 

Wilborg, William, 32, M.; coppersmith, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62;wd. May 12, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Williams, Henry, 20, — ; merchant, Springfield; Sept. 20, 
'64; M. O. June 2, '65; had been dis. Sept. 19th from 
Co. A, Fifth M. V. M., to re-en. here. 

Wilson, Thomas A., 25, M.; moulder, Roxbury; Aug. 20, 
'62; wd. June 18, '64, Petersburg; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Winters, Thomas B., — , — ; — , Sandy Hook, Md.; en. 
Oct. 1, '61; recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 18, '64, Spottsylvania; dis. 
Oct. 1, '64, ex. of s. 

Wood, James, 23, S.; clerk, Boston; en. Aug. 30, '62; M. O. 
June 2, '65. 

COMPANY C 

Medford 
Captain 

John Hutchins, 42, M.; ship-carpenter; Medford; Aug. 14, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. June 2, 
'65; Lieut. Colonel June 7, '65, not mustered; had 
served as Captain in the 3 mos. term of the Fifth 



366 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

M. V. M., Co. E, 1861 ; U. S. Navv Yard, Charlestown; 
d. Medford,Oct. 12, 1905; b. York, Me., Oct. 17, 1820; 
came to Medford when 16 years old ; early in the Militia 
he also was foreman of the local fire company, and was 
a member of the Masonic order. Dying at the Med- 
ford Inn, his home for several years, Oct. 12, 1905, his 
funeral on the 15th was conducted in the Lawrence 
Armory with the highest military honors, many of his 
old comrades in arms being present; burial was in 
Oak Grove Cemetery; "He never shirked a duty." 

First Lieutenants 

Perry Coleman, 28, M.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; res. 

Nov. 7, '63; was 2d Lieut, in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M. 

3 mos. term, 1861; d. Washington, D. C. 
Charles W. Hanson, from Co. E, Nov. 8, '63; Pris. Aug. 18, 

'64; prom. Captain Sept. 8, '64; vide Co. E. 
Orville A. Barker, Sept. 15, '64; Adjutant Dec. 5, '64. 
William McDevitt, April 3, '65; not mustered; M. O. June 

2, '65, as 2d Lieut; long in Paving Department, Boston, 

1913, Allston. 

Second Lieutenants 

Isaac F. R. Hosea, 30, M.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 
the most of Lieut. Hosea's service was with the Brigade 
Pioneer Corps and he was commanding it when cap- 
tured, Aug. 19, '64; prom. 1st Leiut. Jan. 15, '65; 
M. O. June 2, '65, as 2d Lieut.; had served as 1st 
Sergt. in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term; long 
clerk B. & M. R. R.; d. April 16, 1893, Medford. 

Orville A. Barker from Hosp. Steward, Nov. 8, '63, mus- 
tered Dec. 7, '63, vice Hosea on detached service; 
prom. 1st Lieut. Sept. 15, '64. 

William McDevitt from Co. K, Sept. 15, '64; prom. 1st 
Lieut. April 3, '65. 



Company C 367 

Enlisted Men 

Alden, William F., July 20, 1833; (Corp.), 29, M.; clerk, 
Medford; Aug. 14, '62;dis. disa., Jan. 21, '63; had been 
in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861 ; engraver, 
policeman and janitor, Medford; 1913, Cambridge. 

Alley, Charles Q., b. Sept. 18, 1842; 20, S.; baker, Medford; 
Aug. 6, '62; trans., no date. Forty-eighth Co., 2d Batt., 
V. R. C; dis. June 26, '65; wholesale notions and toys; 
for forty-six years a member of Methodist S. S., Rock- 
ford, 111., for twenty-eight years Assistant Superin- 
tendent, for forty-four years church usher, for twenty- 
eight. Secretary and Treasurer of the Eastern Veter- 
ans' Association of the Civil War; he retains the knap- 
sack received at Boxford, as well as cap, canteen and 
haversack, his old army overcoat dates from Thor- 
oughfare Gap, Oct., '63; 1913, Rockford, 111. 

Baldwin, John M., 28, M.; carpenter, Ashburnham; July 
15, '63; recruit; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 

Ballou, Charles H., 34, S.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 14, 
'62; M. O. May 18, '65. 

Barker, William S., 29, M.; watchmaker, Medford; Aug. 
14, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Barnard, David A., 19, S.; baker, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 
trans. Co, A, Sixth V. R. C; dis. July 6, '65. 

Bates, Hiram W., 32, M.; carpenter, Brighton; July 10, 
'63; recruit, trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Baxter, George M., 35, M.; cabinet-maker, Medford; Aug. 
14, '62; dis. disa., Oct. 31, '62. 

Beck, John S., 18, S.; — , Medford; Aug. 14, '62; M. O. 
June 2, '65; his diary indespensable to the history; 
b. Portsmouth, N. H., 1838; engine and carriage 
painter till he entered U. S. Railway Mail Service; 
leader Medford Band, Commander Post 66, G. A. R., 
etc.; d. Jan., 1910, Gloucester. 



368 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Beirne, James, 18, S. ; currier, Medford; July 29, '62; k. 

May 10, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Blanchard, William H., 27, S.; pork packer, Medford; 

Aug. 9, '62;M. O.June 2, '65. 
Bond, Dudley, 43, M.; Aug. 8, '62; dis. disa., Jan. 21, '63; 

confectioner, Medford. 
Booker, George D. (Corp.), 23, S.; farmer, Medford; Aug. 

14, '62; trans. Nov. 26, '64, to V. R. C; M. O. June 

28, '65, from Co. B Twelfth Reg't. V. R. C; had been 

in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861; died in 

Medford. 
Bowen, Samuel C, 22, S. ; seaman, Barnstable; May 7, '64; 

Pris., d. Nov. 27, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Briggs, Benjamin M.; 29, M.; ship carpenter, Walpole; 

Aug. 14, '62; M. O. May 19, '65. 
Bunker, Benjamin, Jr., 44, M.; shoemaker, Medford; Aug. 

14, '62;dis. disa., Oct. 26, '62. 
Busha, Stephen, 25, S. ; moulder, Medford; July 22, '62; 

missing. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Caldwell, George F., 29, S.; merchant, Fitchburg; July 16, 

'63; M. O. May 18, '65. 
Carr, Royal S., 23, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; Corp. 

Nov. 1, '63; Sergt. May 10, '64; wd. May 23, '64, No. 

Anna River, Va. ; M. O. June 2, '65; had been in Co. 

E, Fifth Aiassachusetts Volunteer Militia in 3 mos., 

term, 1861; 1913, Winchester. 
Chafiftn, James W., — , — ; teamster, Boston; recruit to 

Thirteenth Infty., Co. I; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. 

Feb. 27, '65, ex. of s.; real name Marion E. Fisk, vide 

letter, W. D. Jan. 30, 1904. 
Champlin, George H., 19, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; prom. Corp.; d. Jan. 4, '64, Culpepper, Va. 
Cheeney, William, 45, M.; ship carpenter, Medford; July 

16, '62; dis. disa., June 18, '63. 
Chenery, George W., 24, S.; clerk, Sudbury; July 8, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company C 369 

Churchill, George A., 21, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; June 2, '65. 
Clapp, George L., 19, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Clapp, Meletiah O. (Corp.), 24, M.; ship carpenter, Med- 
ford; Aug. 14, '62; trans. Navy, April 19, '64; dis. from 

the "Mendota," June 11, '65; had been in Co. E 

Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia 3 mos. term 

1861. 
Collins, John J., 22, S. ; brick maker, Romney, N. H., cr 

Boston; Dec. 1, '64; dis. Feb. 23, '65, Annapolis, Md 
Cooledge, Charles H., 22, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

Pris., d. Nov. 27, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Coughlin, Owen, 18, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 9, '62 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Crockett, Edward F., 18, S.; clerk, Medford; July 29, '62 

dis. Aug. 15, '64. 
Currell, Henry G., 18, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

Pris.; d. Sept. 14, '64, Andersonville, Ga. 
Curtis, Frank J., 21, M.; bolter, Medford; July 18, '62 

Pris.; d. Feb. 26, Richmond, Va. ; had been in Co. E 

Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 3 mos. term 

1861. 
Gushing, Henry H. D. (Sergt.), 21, M.; clerk, Medford 

Aug. 14, '62; dis. disa., Jan. 27, '64; had been in Co. E 

Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 3 mos. term 

1910, Medford. 
Gushing, Joseph M., 22, S.; baker, Medford; Aug. 11, '62 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Cutter, Benjamin P., 20, S.; clerk, Medford; July 28, '62 

absent at M. O. June 2, '65. 
Dean, Elijah C., 31, S.; yeoman, Oakham; July 13, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris 

Aug. 19, '64; dis. May 25, '65. 
Dow, Albert F. (Sergt.), 29, M.; ship carpenter, Medford 

Aug. 14, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; had been in Co. E, 

Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861. 



370 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Dow, Benjamin H., 30, M.; moulder, Aug. 14, '62; prom. 
Corp.; wd. Nov. 28, '63, Mine Run, Va.; trans. Ninth 
Reg't, V. R. C. ; dis. June 26, '64. 

Dushuttle, Henry L., 18, S.; shoemaker, Medford; July 12, 
'62; dis. disa., Dec. 23, '62; later Co. I, Second H. 
Arty. 

Dyer, Charles E. (Mus.), 17, S.; gold beater, Medford; 
Aug. 14, '62;M. O.June 2, '65. 

Eames, John H., b. Dec. 16, '64; (Sergt.), 27, S.; carpenter, 
Medford; Aug. 19, '62; 1st Sergt. June 7, '64; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; 2d Lieut. Sept. 6, '64; 1st 
Lieut. April 3, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; M. O. as 1st 
Sergt. ; came home from the war broken in health and 
for several months totally blind; recovering his health, 
from 1870 to 1876, postmaster at Medford; later, 
removed to Marshfield Hills, where he now resides; 
the data, concerning war prisoners from the Thirty- 
ninth, are largely due to him; had been in Co. E, Fifth 
M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861; for 12 years. Selectman, 
assessor or overseer of the poor in Marshfield; 1913, 
Marshfield Hills. 

Ellis, Benjamin J., 27, M.; cabinet maker, Medford; Aug. 
14, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. May 21, '65. 

Ellis, Hezekiah C, 43, M.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Fisk, Marion E., vide Chafhn, James W. 

Fletcher, Joel M. (Corp.), 26, S.; carpenter, Medford; 
Aug. 14, '62; wd. June 18, '64, Petersburg; d. Aug. 25, 
'64; had been in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 
1861. 

Fletcher, Thomas M., 21, M.; clerk, Medford; July 28, '62; 
wd. Mav 6, '64, Wilderness; M. O. Aug. 14, '65; had 
been in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861. 

Fox, Terrance L., 24, M.; weaver. So. Hadley, cr. East- 
hampton; July 16, '63 ; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, 
to Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; 
M. O. May 25, '65. 



Company C 371 

Gage, George W. (Wagoner), 45, M.; wood turner, Charles- 
ton; Aug. 14, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 9, '63. 
Gilbert, Henry E., 26, M.; farmer, Southbrldge; July 14, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

dis. disa., Sept. 20, '64. 
Gill, Anderson L. B., 28, M.; gold beater, Medford; Aug 

14, '62; wd. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania; trans. Jan. 7 

'65; V. R. C; dis. disa., Aug. 7, '65. 
Gillard, Thomas H., 31, S.; calker, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Gleason, Patrick, 18, S.; currier, Medford; Aug. 6, '62 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Nov. 14, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Goodale, Edward, 36, M.; painter, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

trans. Feb. 15, '64, V. R. C; dis. from Co. I, Second 

V. R. C, June 26, '65. 
Gordon, Orange S., 22, S.; weaver, Worcester; July 14, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 

May 24, '65. 
Graff, Frederick, 33, S. ; baker, Westford; July 21, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Graves, Austin, 25, S.; bootmaker, Hopkinton; July 14, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; wd. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon 

R. R. ; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Haley, James T., 21, S. ; cooper, Waltham; Oct. 26, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Harding, William, 18, S.; mason, Medford; Aug. 11, '62; 

k. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Hart, Michael, 30, S.; laborer, Boston; July 24, '63; recruit 

to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 18, 

'64, Weldon R. R.; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Hartshorn, Elbridge B., 35, M.; upholsterer, Medford; 

Aug. 4, '65; dis. May 18, '65, O. W. D. 
Haskell, Charles F., 18, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 8, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 23, '63. 



372 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Hatch, Edwin B., 36, M.; Aug. 14, '62; prom. Corp.; k. 
March 31, '65, Hatcher's Run. 

Hathaway, Henry R., 19, M.; laborer, Medford; July 29, 
'62; wd. May 8, '64. 

Hathaway, Nelson F., 23, S.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 
14, '62;M. O.June 2, '65. 

Hathaway, Rodney C, 22, S.; mason, Medford; July 31, 
'62; prom. Corp.; k. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R. 

Heath, Andrew J., 27, M.; farmer, Medford; July 18, '62; 
dis. disa., Oct. 26, '62. 

Hervey, James A., 34, M.; lawyer, Medford; July 29, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Holbrook, Frederick W. D., b. Jan. 26, 1840; 22, M.; civil 
engineer, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; dis. Feb. 9, '64, 
O. W. D. to accept position in the Engineering Depart- 
ment Defenses of Washington, under General J. G. 
Barnard, remaining there till after close of the War. 
From discharge to date, every year is accounted for with 
service from Hoosac Tunnel to Puget Sound, largely 
in R. R. development. For twenty-five years he has 
been in or near Seattle, Washington, in whose profes- 
sional and social life he has been and is a prominent 
factor; 1913, Bremerton, Wash. 

Hoyt, Moses C, 42, M.; farmer, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
dis. May 15, '65, O. W. D. 

Hubbell, Joseph P., 29, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
d. July 7, '63, Washington, D. C. 

Ireland, Edward, 19, S.; farmer, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
k. March 12, '64, Lawville, Va. 

Ireland, Edwin, 19, S.; painter, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 29, '65. 

Ireland, Henry A., Jr. (Corp.), 22, S.; wheelwright, Med- 
ford; Aug. 14, '62; wd. May 12, '64, Spottsylvania ; 
Sergt. March 9, '65; M. O. June 2, '65, as Sergt.; had 
served in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861; 
1910, Medford. 



Company C 373 

Jepson, Samuel G. (Corp.), 30, M.; machinist, Medford; 

Aug. 14, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Johnson, John, 25, S.; sailor, Gloucester; Jan. 9, '64; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; trans, to Thirty-second 

and M. O. 
Jones, Obadiah, 18, S.; farmer, Randolph; Feb. 25, '64; 

trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and M. O. 
Joyce, Alfred, 32, M.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Nov. 7, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Joyce, Henry S., 33, M.; joiner, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Joyce, Samuel W., 21, S. ; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; 

d. July 20, '63; Middleburg, Va. 
Joyce, Winslow, b. Feb. 6, 1844; 18, S.; clerk, Medford; 

July 31, '62; M. O. June 7, '65; sealer, weights and 

measures, and inspector of milk; 1913, Medford. 
Kendrick, Coleman C, 44, M.; joiner, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; trans. Dec. 1, '63, Forty-eighth Co., 2d Batt., 

V. R. C; dis. March 16, '65; also, Kenrick. 
Kendrick, Edwin T. (Mus.), 17, S.; farmer, Medford; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Lange, Joseph, 21, S.; clerk, Worcester; July 24, '62; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Lewis, Joseph, 24, M.; painter, Boston; July 13, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Litchfield, Otis V., 26, M.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Livingston, Robert, 36, M.; bolter, Medford; Aug. 6, '62; 

Pris.; d. Sept. 14, '64, Andersonville, Ga. 
McDermott, Bernard E., 29, S.; clerk, Boston; June 8, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. 

May 6, '64, Wilderness; trans, to Thirty-second and 

M. O. 



374 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

McGee, James, 23, S. ; clerk, Stoughton; Oct. 28, '63; re- 
cruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64; d. March 21, '65, Annapolis. 
McLaughlin, Michael, 19, S. ; laborer, Calaise, Me.; July 

21, '61; en. Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

dis. Aug. 12, '64, ex. of s. 
McNamara, Bernard, 24, S. ; painter, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62;des. Feb. 6, '63. 
Mahall, John, 21, S.; laborer, Fall River; July 24, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Manning, John A., 25, S.; teamster, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Merritt, Benjamin F., 40, M.; sailor, Scituate; Aug. 14, 

'62; dis. disa., Aug. 21, '63. 
Meston, Peter D., 36, M.; bookbinder, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62;M. O.June 2, '65. 
Mitchell, Thomas O. H., b. June 13, 1826, Bath, Me.; 37, 

M.; joiner, Medford; Aug. 11, '62; wd. May 12, '64, 

Spottsylvania ; M. O. June 2, '65; ship-joiner and 

house carpenter; 1913, Medford. 
Morrison, Isaac T. (Corp.), 41, M.; ship-carpenter, Med- 
ford; Aug. 14, '62; prom. Sergt. ; Pris.; d. Feb. 23, '65, 

Salisbury, N. C; had been in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., 

3 mos. term, 1861. 
Northey, William H., 39, M.; mason, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; M. O.June 2, '65. 
Osborn, Alvin W., 20, S.; gardener, Medford; Aug. 12, '62; 

Corp. March 1, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Pratt, James H., 33, S.; farmer, Belchertown; July 14, '63; 

trans, from Twelfth Infty., to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Prouty, John L., 43, M.; mason, Medford; July 31, '62; 

dis. disa., June 17, '63. 
Putnam, Charles, 29, M.; shoemaker, Grafton; July 14, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans. to Thirty-ninth; 



Company C 375 

wd. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 

Ramsdell, Emory W. (Corp.), 32, W. ; shoemaker, Medford; 
July 22, '62; wd. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. 
June 2, '65; had been in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., in 3 
mos. term, 1861; 1910, Medford. 

Redman, Wallace St. C, 27, M,; civil engineer, Medford; 
Aug. 8, '62;, dis. disa., June 19, '63; later served in 
Navy as Assistant Engineer. 

Richardson, Charles A., 18, S. ; blacksmith, Medford; Aug. 
8, '62; wd. May 8, '64, Alsop's Farm; M. O. June 2, 
'65; with Fairbanks Scales Co. forty-seven years; join- 
ing the East Boston Methodist Church in 1879, he 
has been S. S. teacher. Assistant Superintendent and 
Superintendent; of his S. S. class, four members be- 
came clergymen, one, John L. Bates, governor — there 
were no black sheep; successively Church Treasurer 
and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, he has been 
Class Leader for almost thirty years; an officer in the 
United Order of the Golden Cross in 1883, he has been 
Treasurer of the United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers 
since 1896; 1913, East Boston. 

Richardson, Franklin, 36, M.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 
7, '62; prom. Corp.; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Roberts, Joseph W., 24, S. ; brakeman, Boston; July 22, 
'61; trans, from Co. C, Thirteenth Infty. to Thirty- 
ninth; dis. Aug. 22, '64, ex. of s. 

Roberts, Milton F, 20, S.; carpenter, Medford; Aug 11, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R.; M. O. June 2, 
'65; appointed carpenter in the U. S. Navy Dec. 12, 
1879, he served in this capacity till his retirement, 
Feb 21, 1903, as Chief Carpenter with rank of Lieu- 
tenant; his last sea service was on the Oregon, being 
one of those who saw the part taken by the vessel, 
under Captain Clark, in the destruction of the Cristo- 
bal Colon, near Santiago and the consequent end of 
Spanish rule in America. Lieut. Roberts was ordered 



376 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

to the Oregon while she was building in San Francisco, 
and was on board through all of the famous trip down 
the Pacific Coast, around Cape Horn and up the 
Atlantic, one of the most remarkable cruises in modern 
naval history; his experiences on this voyage would 
make a most entertaining volume; the results of the 
trip are matters of history, but every member of the 
Thirty-ninth feels a measure of reflected glory in that 
one of his comrades had a part in the building, cruising 
and fighting of the Oregon ; since his retirement, Lieut. 
Roberts has resided in Medford; b. Medford, April 
17, 1842, he attended the public and private schools 
of the town and Spaulding's Academy for Bookkeeping 
in Charlestown; for many years was a member of the 
Medford Fire Dept. and is in the Masonic Order 
Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery; for 27 years has 
belonged to the Royal Arcanum and for more than 
ten years has been a member of the Veteran Associa- 
tion, Lawrence Life Guard ; from boyhood has attended 
the Universalist Church. 

Rogers, William H., 18, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 14,' 62 
Pris.; d. Feb. 14, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 

Rugg, George J., 43, M.; carpenter, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
M. O. May 31, '65. 

Samson, Albert A., 21, M.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 
prom. Corp.; dis. Oct. 26, '63, for promotion; N. F. R 

Sargent, Walter H., 18, — shoemaker, Bridgewater; Feb 
10, '62; trans, from Twelfth Infty.; dis. Feb. 28, '65 
ex. of s. 

Senter, John H., 38, M.; gardener, Medford; Aug. 11, '62 
trans. Aug. 19, '63, to Co. E, Fourteenth Regt., 
V. R. C; trans, back to Co. C Jan. 9, '64; M. O. May 
24, '65. 

Sheridan, James A., 20, M. ; clerk, Dedham; Aug. 27, '63; 
recruit to Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company C 377 

Simpson, John H., 21, S.; clerk, Medford; July 17, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; dis. Dec. 20, '64. 
Smith, William S., 35, M.; chemist, Boston; July 17, '63; 

recruit Co. I, Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

Pris. Aug. 14, '64; d. Nov. 17, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Southworth, William B., 23, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, 

'62; dis. disa., Dec. 20, '64. 
Stevens, Samuel M. (Sergt.), 27, M.; ship carpenter, Med- 
ford; prom. 1st Sergt.; k. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania 
Thompson, Edward, 20, S. ; seaman, Methuen; July 13 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Thompson, James, 18, S.; laborer, Medford; July 23, '62 

wd. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R. ; dis. disa.. May 17, '65 
Trask, Charles H., 26, S.; shipwright, Boston; July 9, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Tucker, Aaron, 32, M.; teamster, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

prom. Corp. ; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Tufts, Augustus, 45, S.; farmer, Medford; Aug. 14, '62 

dis. disa., Jan. 27, '64. 
Tully, Isaac J., 21, — ; framemaker, Boston; July 9, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth 

thence trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Turner, Samuel H., Jr. (Sergt.), 24, M.; calker, Medford 

Aug. 14, '62; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. 

June 14, '65; had been in Co. E, Fifth M. V. M.,in3 

mos., term, 1861. 
Tyler, Henry H., 21, S.; clerk, Medford; Aug. 14, '62; M. O. 

June 2, '65. 
Vaeight, William, 22, S.; blacksmith, Swanzey; Aug. 5, '63; 

recruit to Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 14, '65; Schouler has 

"Voight." 
Vickery, John F., 29, M.; June 10, '63; recruit to Twelfth 

Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. Aug. 12, '64, Alex- 
andria, Va. 



378 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Voight, Wm., vide Vaeight. 

Walker, Benjamin, 45, M.; bolter, Medford; Aug. 1, '62; 
dis. disa., Nov. 20, '63. 

Walker, William A., 18, S.; laborer, Medford; Aug. 11, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Wayland, Henry P., 22, S. ; gardener, Swampscot, Aug. 14, 
'62;des. Feb. 6, '63. 

Webb, Lemuel, 32, M.; sailor, Scituate; Aug. 14, '62; M. O. 
June 2, '65. 

Welch, Charles, 22, S.; slater, Salem; July 26, '63; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Whitney, Jophanus, 18, S. ; painter, Medford; Aug. 10, '62; 
Corp., May 29, '64; Sergt. (Color bearer), March 2, 
'65; wd. April 1, '65; M. O. June 22, '65, Philadelphia, 
Penn.; b. Avon, Me.; en. Co. E, Fifth M. V. M., Nov. 
12, 1859; through successive promotions became 
Colonel, Aug. 6, '97; commanded Regt. in Spanish 
War; Brig. Gen'l, 2d Brigade, Feb. 23, 1901; retired 
as Major Gen'l, Feb. 23, 1908; in early life, learned 
painter's trade; later was a cigar-maker; twelve years 
on Medford Police Force; for many years on State 
Police Force; since 1908, its Chief; 1913, Medford. 

Whittaker, James L., 36, M.; machinist, Medford; July 
28, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 15, '63. 

Williams, John, 28, M.; Aug. 5, '63; sailor, Boston; recruit 
to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Wilson John (1st), 21, S.; calker, Lawrence; July 28, '63; 
on M. O. of Reg't trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

COMPANY D. 
Quincy 

Captains 

Edward A. Spear, 45, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 14, 
'62; wd. Aug. 18, '64; Petersburg; dis. disa., Sept. 9, 



Company D 379 

'64; had been 1st Lieut., Co. H, Fourth M. V. M., 3 
mos. term, 1861; b. Dec. 7, 1816; Qulncy, ; d. there, 
June 25, 1897. 
William G. Sheen, from Co. I, Sept. 8, '64; brevet Major, 
April 1, '65; M. O. June 2, 1865. 

First Lieutenants 

William G. Sheen, 24, M.; jeweller, Quincy; Aug. 14, '62; 
had been in Co. H, Fourth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 
1861; trans. Oct. '63 to Co. I, vice. Mulligan, res. 

John D. Reed, from Co. F, Sept. 20, '63; prom. Captain, 
Co. I, Sept. 6, '64. 

Second Lieutenants 

Charles H. Porter, 19, S. ; clerk, Quincy; Aug. 14, '62 ; prom. 
1st Lieut. Jan. 25, '64; vide Co. A. 

Oscar Persons, from Co. K, Feb. 4, '63; res. Oct. 24, 1863; 
took up newspaper work and for last twenty years of 
his life was connected with the Hudson Enterprise; 
d. June 26, 1901, Hudson. 

Joseph A. Merrifield, from Co. F, Oct. '63; prom. 1st Lieut. 
May 4, '64, Co. B. 

George A. Barker, from Sergt; May 4, '64; taken prisoner, 
Aug. 19, '64; prom. 1st Lieut. Sept. 8, '64; not mus- 
tered; M. O. June 2, 1865, as 2d Lieut. 

Enlisted Men 

Ahearn, Thomas, 27, S. ; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 6, '62; 
Pris. May 21, '64; Feb. 17, '65; M. O. June 5, '65. 

Alden, Albert M., 28, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 15, '62; 
dis. disa., Sept.ll, '63; later, Co. B, Sixtieth Massachu- 
setts, 100 days. 

Alden, Henry A., 19, S.; wheelwright, Quincy; July 18, 
'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Armstrong, John L., 44, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 21, 
'62; trans, to Second Co., Second Batt., V. R. C; dis. 
July 14, '65. 



380 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Badger, Ezra (Wagoner), 44, M.; farmer, Quincy; July 30, 

'62; d. Oct. 14, '62. 
Bailey, Christopher T. (1st Sergt.), 30, M.; bootmaker, 

Weymouth; Sept. 7, '63; dis. disa., Nov. 26, '64. 
Barker, George A. (Sergt.), 21, S. ; clerk, Quincy; prom. 

2d Lieut., May 4, '64; vide Co. D. 
Barry, Benjamin, 44, S.; seaman, Quincy; July 31, '62; 

dis. disa., Nov. 15, '62. 
Barry, Patrick H., 20, S.; painter, Boston; en. July 22, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. July 8, 

'64; dis. disa., Oct. 28, '64; in 1897, Adjt. Gen'l, Ne- 
braska; lat. add., Lincoln, Neb. 
Baxter, Thompson, Jr., 19, S.; student, Quincy; Aug. 12, 

'62; dis. disa., April 27, '65. 
Becker, Ferdinand, 29, S.; shoemaker, Boston; July 22, 

'63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Jan. 17, '65, 

Salisbury. 
Bertwhistle, James F., 24, — ; — , Darnestown, Md.; 

en. Sept. 19, '61, in Twelfth Infty.; Pris. July 1, '63; 

Gettysburg; paroled, when or where, not stated, and 

the name was carried to the Thirty-ninth; just a name 

and nothing more. 
Brackett, Walter P., 21, S. ; seaman, Quincy; July 29, '62; 

trans, to Navy April 22, '64; dis. from U. S. vessel, 

Chicopee, July 18, '65, as seaman. 
Brophy, John, 31, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 3, '62; 

trans. Co. H, Second V. R. C; Sept. 25, '63; dis. July 

31, '65. 
Brown, Samuel (Sergt.); wheelwright, Quincy; July 18, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Bullard, Asahel, 32, S. ; yeoman, Oakham; July 13, '63; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 3, '65; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 
Burk, Walter, 35, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 6, '62; 

d. Dec. 22, '63. 



Company D 381 

Burns, William H., 19, S.; boatman; July 29, '62; prom. 

Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Nov. 27, 

'64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Bushnell, Charles, 28, M.; shoemaker, Abington, cr. to 

Roxbury; Sept. 28, '63; d. prisoner Nov. 14, '64, 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Campbell, Allen, N. F. R., except "k. in action June 17, 

'64," the date is that of the first day at Petersburg. 
Carteze, George, 23, S.; ship carpenter, Boston, cr. Groton; 

July 27, '63; recruit to the Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Cheatham, James B., 43, — ; — , Quincy; Aug. 29, '62; 

dis. disa., June 26, '63. 
Christian, James B., 43, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 30, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 24, '63. 
Churchill, Thaddeus (Sergt.), 39, M.; painter, Quincy; 

Aug. 4, '62 ; dis. Oct. 18, '63, for commission, U. S. C. T. 
Cleverly, George F., 29, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 31, 

'62; ^is. disa., Oct. 2, '63; had been in Co. H, Fourth 

M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 1861. 
Coffin, Paul G., 36, M.; July 29, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Colburn, William E., 38, M.; teamster, Quincy; prom. 

Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Feb. 18, '65, Salisbury, 

N. C. 
Collier, George W., 30, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 31, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 5, '63. 
Collins, Michael, 44, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Cotter, John, 21, S. ; seaman, Barnstable; recruit to Twelfth 

Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second 

and M. O. 
Cowper, John, 25, S. ; laborer, Charleston; July 27, '63; 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Crane, Seth, 41, M.; laborer, Quincy; July 29, '62; d. Dec. 

22, '63. 



382 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Curtis, Albert (Mus.), 21, S, ; bootmaker, Ablngton; Aug. 

13, '62; trans. March 13, '65, V. R. C; M. O. May 

31, '65. 
Curtis, Henry (Sergt.), 34, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 

29, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Daley, Daniel, 29, M.; ledgeman, Quincy; Aug. 6, '62; 

dis. disa., Aug. 23, '63. 
Daley, Garrett, 39, M.; ledgeman, Quincy; Aug. 1, '62; 

d. April 5, '65. 
Damon, Edward, Jr., ledgeman, Quincy; Aug. 2, '62; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. Jan. 3, '65, Salisbury, 

N. C; had been in Co. H, Fourth M. V. M., 3 mos. 

term, 1861. 
Darren, George W., 29, M.; machinist, Boston; Nov. 14, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
DeForrest, Samuel D., b. June 16, 1845; 20, S. ; farmer, 

Quincy; July 15, '62; Pris. Aug. 14, '64, to Feb. 28, '65; 

M. O. July 18, '65; stationary engineer; 1913, Quincy. 
Derby, Alden, 20, — ; shoemaker. No. Bridgewater; Feb. 

24, '62; recruit to Thirty-ninth; prom. Corp.; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64; N. F. R. 
Derry, Barden B., 26, M.; boatman, Quincy; wd. May 8, 

'64; 1st Sergt. March 1, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Dickerman, Charles C, 22, W. ; clerk, Quincy; Aug. 2, 

'62; prom. Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 28, '65, 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Donley, James, 18, S. ; laborer, Quincy; Aug. 1, '62; d. 

Feb. 1, '65. 
Dooner, John, 27, M.; teamster, Quincy; July 29, '62; 

dis., disa. March 1, '63. 
Doyle, Thomas, 40, — ; — , Buffalo, N. Y.; June 7, '64; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Drury, Charles A., 23, S. ; bootmaker, Concord; July 14, 

62; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company D 383 

Dunn, Arthur, 25, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 15, '62; 

Pris. ; d. Jan. 28, '64, Belle Isle, Richmond, Va. 
Durgin, Jonathan, 40, M.; teamster, Quincy; July 31, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64, Laurel Hill; d. Pris. Jan. 5, '65, Salis- 
bury. 
Ela, Elisha P. C, 26, M.; stonecutter, Quincy; Aug. 1, 

'62; k. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Euderle, Joseph L. (Corp.), 20, S.; blacksmith, Quincy; 

Aug. 6, '62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. June 3, '65, S. O. 

W. D.; had been in Co. H, Fourth M. V. M., as En- 

derly, 3 mos. term, 1861. 
Fineran, Patrick (Mus.), 18, S. ; farmer, Quincy; July 18, 

'62; prom. Sergt.; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Forbes, James E., 25, S. ; stonecutter, Quincy; Aug. 6, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Fowler, Theodore W., 42, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 

29, '62; M. O. May 30, '65. 
Freeman, John C, 22, S. ; clerk, Southbridge; recruit to 

Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris.; d. Flor- 
ence, S. C, Feb. 18, '65. 
French, Joseph T., 38, M.; clerk, Quincy; Aug. 1, '62 

N. F. R. 
Garvere, Patrick, 44, M.; stonecutter, Quincy; July 31 

'62; M. O. June 2, '62. 
Gavin, Patrick H. (Corp.), 18, S.; farmer, Quincy; July 18 

'62; wd. May 12, '64; trans. V. R. C, Feb. 3, '65; dis 

from Co. A, Eighteenth V. R. C, June 2, '65. 
Gifford, Charles E., 18, S. ; laborer, Florida; Aug. 22, '62 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Gould, Samuel, 18, S.; laborer, Florida; Aug. 22, '64; d 

April 11, '65, Long Island, N. Y. 
Green, John F., 31, M.; seaman, Marblehead; July 10, '63 

Pris.; d. Dec. 15, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Groves, George D., 27, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 5 

'62;des. Sept. 14, '62. 
Hanson, Hans C, 28, S.; sailor, Ashland; July 21, '63 

recruit to Twelfth Infty.; recorded as trans, to the 



384 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Thirty-ninth, June 25, '64, but he had died the pre- 
ceding 14th of April, Andersonville, Ga. 
Harrington, John, 25, M.; shoemaker. Concord; July 14, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Hayden, Joseph W., 43, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 29, 

'62; dis. disa., June 2, '63; later in Tenth Battery. 
Havden, Josiah, Jr., 38, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 29, 

' '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Hayden, William, 18, S.; stonecutter, Gloucester; Aug. 13, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Dec. 31, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Haynes, Joseph P. (Corp.), 40, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; 

July 15, '62; Pris., June 7, '64; dis. May 22, '65. 
Hazleton, Benjamin L., 22, S. ; farmer, Boston; Nov. 7, 

'63; recruit to Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence trans, to V. R. C. ; N. F. R. 
Hersey, George W., 31, M.; painter, Quincy; Aug. 31, '62; 

trans. Navy, April 22, '64; dis., June 7, '65. 
Hill, John, Jr., 24, S.; currier, Quincy; Aug. 7, '62; M. O. 

June 2, '65. 
Hobbs, John J., 38, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 31, '62; 

dis. disa., April 3, '63. 
Horgan, Cornelius, 33, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 25, 

'62; des. April 28, '63. 
Howley, Thomas, 44, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 21, 

'62; dis. disa., June 2, '63. 
Howley, Thomas, Jr., 18, S. ; bootmaker, Quincy; July 31, 

'62; absent at M. O., sick; N. F. R. 
Hughes, James, 42, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; July 29, '62; 

d. May 13, '64. 
Huntress, Elijah, 19, S.; farmer, Quincy; Aug. 24, '62; 

wd. May 10, '64; dis. on account of wds., May 8, '65. 
Huntress, Truman H., 21, M.; teamster, Quincy; Aug. 4, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Brockton. 
Kanily, Daniel, 27, M.; bootmaker, Quincy; Aug. 6, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; wd. April 1, '65, Five Forks; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 



Company F 401 

Van Cleff, John S., 35, S.; sailor, Boston; July 25, '63; in 

Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. a prisoner 

Feb. 1, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Van de Sands, George (Corp.), 18, S.; clerk, Somerville; 

Aug. 12, '62; prom. Sergt.; dis. Aug. 23, '63, O. W. D. 

for commission. Tenth U. S. C. T.; d. 
Webster, Henry K., 28, M,; clerk, Lawrence; July 16, '62, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; M. O. May 15, '65. 
Wentworth, Alonzo P., 33, M.; laborer, Charleston; July 

9, '63; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. 

May 18, '65. 
Whitmore, Joseph W., 28, M.; carpenter, Somerville; 

Aug. 12, '62; Pris. Oct. 10, '63; supposed to have died 

in Rebel Prison. 
Wilcutt, William C, 30, S. ; laborer, Somerville; Aug. 13, 

'62 ; des. Sept. 9, '62 ; had been in Co. F, Fifth M. V. M. 

3 mos. term, 1861; later in Co. K, Fifty-ninth Infty. 

from which he deserted ; Willcut seemed a fitting name. 
Williams, John, 32, — ; seaman, Boston; July 29, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth and was dis. 

disa., Aug. 7, '64. 
Wilton, George T., 28, S.; boatman, Conway; Aug. 1, '63; 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth and was wd. 

May 5, '64, Wilderness; dis. disa., Aug. 18, '64. 
Woodward, Elbridge G., 23, M.; farmer, Colrain; Aug. 1, 

'63; trans, to V. R. C, March 21, '65; des. from 22d 

Co. Second Batt. V. R. C, June 28, '65. 
Wright, Robert, 23, — ; boiler maker, Ashfield; July 26, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 

COMPANY F 

Taunton 

Captain 

Joseph J. Cooper, 34, M.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22,' 62; 
wd. Feb. 7, '65, Hatcher's Run, Va.; bvt. Major, 



402 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

April 1, '65 ; M. O. June 2, '65 ; b. May 8, 1828, Preston, 
England; came to America, when three years old; as 
a boy, worked in Taunton Cotton mill; as a young 
man, worked at tack making; in Pittsburg, Penn., from 
1854 to beginning of the Civil War; after the war, 
engaged in the nail business in Bridgewater and con- 
tinued the same for years; later he followed the same 
business in Taunton, retiring several years ago; from 
boyhood, he was interested in the Fire Department, 
being an active member of the Taunton force for many 
years, and then Ass't Engineer; was a lifelong member 
of the Baptist Church ; a life member of the Old Colony 
Historical Society, his interest continued to the end; 
Lieut. James E. Seaver, secretary of the Society pays 
the Major this tribute, "Always an honest man! A 
man with the strongest convictions which he held to 
the last, if he believed them to be right; a good friend, 
an excellent neighbor, a good citizen and a brave 
soldier"; he died August 22, 1912. 

First Lieutenant 

Isaac D. Paul, 38, S.; dresser, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; k. 
May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; a member of the Masonic 
Order, Confederate Masons carried his body to the 
rear and buried it with Masonic Rites; had been a 
corporal in Co. G, Fourth M. V. M., 3 mos. service; 
before the war, had been Supt. in the Whittaker Cotton 
Manufacturing Co. For a time, Post 55 of Taunton 
bore his name. 

Second Lieutenant 

John D. Reed, 35, S. ; grocer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; prom. 

1st Lieut. Sept. 20, '63; vide Co. L 
Joseph A. Merrifield, from Sergt. Major, Sept. 20, '63; 

trans, to Co. D, Oct. '63. 
Henry F. Felch from Co. I, Oct. 25, '63; wd. Aug. 18, '64; 

prom. 1st Lieut. Sept. 15, '64, Co. E. 



Company F 403 

Enlisted Men 

Adams, George F., 24, M.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65. 

Alexander, William, 21, S. ; laborer, Boston; July 27, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Anthony, Sylvanus, 28, M.; farmer, Uxbridge; July 5, '63; 
in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Austin, Charles B., 33, M.; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. May 10, '64, 
to May 10, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Babbitt, Charles E., 20, M.; tailor, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
k. May 8, '64, Alsop's Farm. 

Babbitt, Frank S., b. Dec. 22, 1843; 18, S.; tailor, Taunton; 
Aug. 25, '62; trans, to U. S. Signal Corps, Sept. 1, '63; 
served in Army of the Potomac; 1865 to 1889, manu- 
facturing machinery; 1882-'83, Representative in Gen- 
eral Court; 1887, Alderman, Taunton; 1888-'93 inclu- 
sive, Bristol Co. Commissioner; 1891-'93 inclusive. 
Mayor of Taunton; 1894-'97, Administrator of Estates; 
1897-1900 inclusive. Chief of Police; 1901 to date. 
Probation Officer, Massachusetts Superior Court; 
1913, Taunton. 

Babbitt, George H., Jr., b. Sept. 7, 1841; (Sergt.) 20, S.; 
auctioneer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; 
auctioneer and commission merchant; 1871-'72, Rep. 
General Court; later was Coroner, Deputy Sheriff, 
Justice of the Peace, Constable, Ass't U. S. Marshal, 
Enumerator, etc.; d. Dec. 9, 1877. 

Barker, Orville A., b. June 17, 1840, 22, S.; apothecary, 
Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; prom. Corp; prom. Hosp. 
Steward, Oct. 13, '62; vide F. & S. 

Barnes, Charles A., 27, S.; bookkeeper, Taunton; Dec. 28, 
'63; d. July 15, '64, Taunton. 

Barnes, William L., 35, M.; painter, Roxbury; July 15, 
'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 
disa., April 22, '65. 



404 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Barnum, George D., 29, S.; bootmaker, Boston, cr. to 

Holliston; July 14, '63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Barrows, George L., 18, S. ; shoemaker, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; trans. Co. F, Twenty-fourth V. R. C., March 13, 

'65;dis. June 28, '65. 
Betagh, James, 35, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

Corp., Jan. 1, '64; wd. May 10, '65; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, 

to May 16, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Boardman, Alfred, 24, S.; shoemaker, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; trans, to U. S. Navy, April 19, '64; dis. July 31, 

'65. 
Borden, Clark P., 20, S.; harness maker. Fall River; Aug. 

22, '62; wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Braddock, William, 26, M.; knife cutter, Chatham; Oct. 1, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; M. O. May 15, '65. 
Brewster, Charles W. (Corp.), 19, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; dis. March 31, '65. 
Briggs, Preserved, 26, M.; wheelwright, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Brizzee, Lorenzo, 29, M.; farmer, Deerfield; July 16, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O.; name also found, Brizzer 

and Brizzie. 
Brooks, Freelove, 29, M.; armorer, Springfield; July 11, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Brunn, John, 25, S.; shoemaker, Roxbury; Sept. 23, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence as 

prisoner of war to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Burt, Henry A., 25, S.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

wd. May 16, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Carney, John, 22, S. ; shovel maker, Acton; July 23, '63; 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company F 405 

Cochran, Matthew, 28, M.; sailor, Marblehead ; July 10, 

'63, In Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd., 

time and place not given; dis. disa., June 7, '65. 
Cole, Charles H., 19, S.; hostler, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Conway, Patrick, 28, S.; farmer, New York, cr. to Truro; 

Oct. 5, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; dis. June 13, '65. 
Cotter, Edward A., 22, S. ; shoemaker, Dorchester; June 26, 

'61, in Twelfth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., April 3, '65. 
Crooker, Lucius (Sergt.), 23, S.; clerk, Bridgewater; Aug. 

22, '62; dis. Dec. 22, '63, for commission, U. S. C. T. ; 

vide Seventy-seventh Infty. and Tenth H. Arty.; 

reporting in New Orleans he was commissioned 1st 

Lieut, and ordered to Ft. St. Philip and made Post 

Adjutant; later became Provost Marshal in N. O., 

remaining there till Reg't was M. O. Later still was 

secretary of U. S. Consul at Panama; he died several 

years ago. 
Cummings, John A., 25, — ; — , Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

des. Aug. 29, '62. 
Daniels, George M., 32, M.; mason, Adams; July 14, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd., no time 

or place stated; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Day, John, 32, S.; fisherman, Gloucester; July 22, '63, In 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 19, 

'64; d. from wds. Oct. 28, '64. 
Dean, Anson J., 18, S.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

Corp., March 1, '65; wd. June 18, '64, and March 31, 

'65; M. O. May 25, '65. 
Dean, Erastus L., 18, S.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62 ; k. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Dean, William E., 24, S.; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to 

March 2, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Delphin, Joseph, Jr., 19, S. ; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'63; M.O.June 2, '65. 



406 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Doherty, William (Sergt.), ^^, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 
22, '62; Pris., Aug. 19, '64, to May 16, '65; M. O. June 
2, '65. 

Dunbar, Robert, 28, S. ; plasterer, Boston; July 27, '63; 
in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 19, 
'64;des. March 2, '65. 

Elms, Cyrus O., 35, M.; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
wd., Aug. 19, '64; trans. Feb. 25, '65, to Co. A, Tenth 
V. R. C.;dis. May 26, '65. 

Ensminger, John, 22, S.; farmer, Stockbridge; July 15, '63; 
in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. May 
31, '65. 

Findell, Adolphus, 44, — ; — , Taunton; Aug. 3, '63; 
though given on the State House rolls as trans, from 
the Thirteenth Infty., his name does not appear in 
that regiment, nor in the Twelfth; dis. disa., Sept. 26, 
'64. 

Gay, Abraham S., 34, M.; shoemaker, Natick; March 17, 
'62, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. 
March 17, '65, ex. of s. 

Gay, George W., 19, S. ; stitcher, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Grover, Hartson C, 27, S. ; blacksmith, Canaan, Me., cr. 
Methuen; July 13, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth thence to Co. A, Ninth V. R. C; dis. 
July 22, '65. 

Gushee, Sacuel M., 17, — ; — , Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; N. 
F. R. 

Hall, Benjamin J., 18, S.; printer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
prom. Corp. July 1, '64; Pris.; d. Dec. 6, '64, Salis- 
bury. 

Hall, Daniel, b. Nov. 27, 1839; 23,—; — , Boxford;Nov. 
21, '62, in Washington, D. C; trans. Aug. 1, '63, 
U. S. Signal Corps; served in Dep't, N. C, Dept. of 
Shenandoah, Georgetown, D. C; dis. as Sergt. July 5, 
'65; says he was in the Navy, '61 and '62; through the 
treachery of a Lieutenant, he and twelve others were 



Company F 407 

prisoners of war ten months; rolls say M, O. in absence, 
June 2, '65; salesman; 1913, S. H. Togus, Me. 

Hall, Eben A., 22, M.; printer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
Corp. Sept. 1, '63; Sergt. Feb. 1, '65; Pris. Feb. 7, '65, 
to April 30, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; Rep. in General 
Court; Executive Council with Gov. Butler; publisher 
of Greenfield Gazette; d. New Orleans, March 17, 
1900, while on Press Excursion to that vicinity. 

Hall, George W., 18, S. ; seaman, Boston; Aug. 23, '62, in 
Thirteenth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Hall, Rufus W., b. July 30, 1836; 34, S.; machinist, Taun- 
ton; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. May 8, '64; recaptured by 
Sheridan, May 9; dis. disa., April 28, '65; machinist; 
52 years in Mason Machine Works, including army 
service and nineteen months disa. at close; 1913 
(retired), Taunton. 

Haniford, William, 20, S.; farmer, Chelmsford; July 11, 
'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Harris, Alfred B., 21, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 
trans. Jan. 12, '64, U. S. Signal Corps; served in Depts. 
of Ohio, Va., and N. C; taken pris. Feb. 18, '65, 
near Fort Anderson, N. C; d. April 7, '65, Taunton. 

Harvey, William F., 22, M.; moulder, Taunton, Aug. 22, 
'62; dis. disa., Jan. 2, '64. 

Hathaway, James A., 18, S.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22, 
'62; Pris., Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 10, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 

Hewett, John G., 29, M.; dresser tender, Taunton; Aug. 22, 
'62; dis. disa., Jan. 12, '63. 

Holloway, Isaac N., 27, M.; shoemaker, Taunton; Aug. 22, 
'62; wd. May 10, '64, and Aug. 18, '64; dis. May 12, 
'65. 

Horton, Horace B. (Corp.), 36, M.; mason, Taunton; 
Aug. 8, '62; prom. Sergt. Nov. 1, '65; wd. and prisoner, 
Aug. 19, '64; paroled, N. F. R. 



408 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Rowland, Benjamin L., 21, S.; cooper, Taunton; Oct. 16, 
'63; in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Jewett, Jesse G., b. Oct. 9, 1840, 21, S. ; clerk, Bridgewater; 
Aug. 22, '62; Corp. March 2, '63; dis. Jan. 2, '64, for 
Commission, U. S. C. T. ; vide Seventy-seventh Infty. 
and Tenth H. Arty.; with Sergt. Crocker he reported 
to General Wm. Dwight, New Orleans; commissioned 
1st Lieut. ; sent to Fort St. Philip, serving as boarding 
officer, i.e., looking after contraband goods in passing 
vessels; later, served on staffs of Generals Hamlin, 
Banks, Hurlbert, Canby, Sheridan and J. W. Sherman; 
resigned June 7, 1866; clothing business and farming 
till 1871; since then with Old Colony, or N. Y., N. H. 
and H. R. R. to date, in Paymaster's or Treasurer's 
Dept. ; 1913, Dorchester. 

Jones, William H., 23, S.; harness maker, Chatham; July 
27, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Kane, David S., 20, S.; farmer, Bridgewater; Aug. 27, '62; 
wd. May 10, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. July 24, 
'65. 

Kellar, Balthaser, 24, M.; clothier, Littleton; Nov. 5, '63, 
in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Kelly, William, 21, S. ; mule-dresser, Taunton; Aug. 29, 
'62; dis. disa., March 4, '63. 

Kelly, William B., 23, S. ; painter, Taunton; wd. Aug. 18, 
'64; d. Aug. 30, '64, Philadelphia. 

King, Edward, b. June 6, 1843, 19, S.; clerk, Taunton; 
Aug. 22, '62 ; on detached duty, the most of his service; 
M. O. June 2, '65; in National Banks and manufactur- 
ing companies, in Taunton or Newcastle, Penn.; 1913, 
New Castle. 

Knapp, George L. (Corp.), 36, M.; carpenter, Taunton; 
Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., June 3, '64. 



Company F 409 

Knapp, Lorenzo S., 29, M.; farmer, Richmond; July 15, 

'62; in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Laahy, Jeremiah, 42, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; dis. disa., Dec. 3, '64. 
Lane, Henry A., 27, S. ; coppersmith, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; Corp. March 2, '63; Sergt. Jan. 1, '64; wd. June 

19, '64; M.O. Junes, '65. 
Lawler, James A., 20, S.; farmer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

wd. May 10, '64; Pris., Aug. 19, '64, to March 2, '65; 

M. O. June 13, '65. 
Leonard, Henry F., 34, M.; tinner, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Leonard, William E., 24, M.; moulder, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; M.O. June 2, '65. 
Lincoln, Daniel, 35, M.; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

d. May 10, '64, Laurel Hill, Va., from wds. rec'd on 

the Eighth, Alsop's Farm. 
McClearance, Archibald, 43, M.; weaver, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; dis. disa., June 18, '63. 
McFarland, Samuel G., 18, M.; clerk, Winchester; July 21, 

'62; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Makepeace, Norman G., 23, M.; shoemaker, Taunton; 

Aug. 22, '62 ; wd. May 5, '64; M. O. June 20, '65. 
Mason, William W., 35, M.; wheelwright, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; Corp. Oct. 29, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Mitchell, Edward, Jr., 19, S.; clerk, Bridgewater; Aug. 22, 

'62; dis. disa., Oct. 13, '63. 
Mitchell, Nathan, 21, M.; clerk, Bridgewater; Aug. 22, '62; 

d., Sept. 27, '62, Edwards Ferry, Md. 
Monroe, Charles E., 21, S.; apothecary, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; dis. for prom, hospital steward, U. S. A., Feb. 17, 

'63; March 14, '64, prom. 1st Lieut, and assistant 

surgeon. One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Vols. ; 

M. O. June 28, '65. 



410 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Naylor, Abraham C, 23, M.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Nelson, William, 44, M.; dresser, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

Pris. May 8, '64, recaptured by Sheridan May 9; wd. 

Aug. 18, '64; dis. disa., April 18, '65. 
Nichols, William L., 21, S. ; blacksmith, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; Corp. Dec. 1, '64; wd. Feb. 7, '65; M. O. May 

27, '65. 
Packer, States, 30, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62 

d. a prisoner Jan. 4, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Paull, Dyer S., 34, M.; teamster, Taunton; Aug. 22, '65 

dis. disa., Nov. 18, '64. 
Paull, Thomas W,, 21, S.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 13, '65; M. O. June 2, '65 
Pearson, Charles E., 28, — ; — , Taunton; Corp. Nov. 1 

'63; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Phillips, Dexter M., 24, M.; farmer, Pittsfield; July 4, '62, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Pierce, Charles A., 25, S. ; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; Corp. Jan. 16, '64; dis. disa., Oct. 22, '64. 
Quimby, Ira B., 33, M.; carpenter, Boston; Aug. 26, '62; 

dis. Feb. 2, '64, for prom. U. S. C. T. 
Rand, William L., 25, S.; farmer, Nahant; June 26, '61; 

in Twelfth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth; prom. Corp.; k. March 31, '65, Hatcher's Run. 
Reynolds, William H. (Mus.), 19, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; dis. May 18, '65. 
Riley, James, 33, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 25, '62; 

trans, to Co. E, Ninth V. R. C; dis. June 26, '65. 
Rocket, James, 19, S.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; dis. 

disa., March 4, '63. 
Rogers, Eugene S., 26, S.; shoemaker, Natick; March 17, 

'62; in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 

17, '65, ex. of s. 



Company F 411 

Russell, Nathan, 28, M.; carpenter, Marlborough; Jan. 2, 

'64; in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 

May 13, '65. 
Shaw, George W., Jr., 22, S.; — , West Brookfield; July 13, 

'63; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Sherburne, Benjamin F., 20, S. ; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62;des. July 9, '63. 
Skinner, Fernando C, 21, S.; shovel-maker, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; wd. May 8, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to May 16, 

'65; M. O.June 2, '65. 
Smith, Edwin H. C, 18, S.; shoemaker, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; wd. May 10, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 

2, '65; M. O. June 6, '65. 
Smith, George T., 20, S.; farmer, Wayland; July 16, '61; 

in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Feb. 17, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., Oct. 17, '64. 
Smith, James, 3S, M.; mechanic, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Oct. 9, '64; dis. May 12, '65. 
Snow, Charles H., 18, S.; farmer, Taunton; Aug. 21, '62; 

M. O. June 3, '65. 
Sproal, Arthur H. (Corp.), 19, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; M. O. May 18, '65. 
Stall, John M., 40, S.; Aug. 22, '62; farmer, Taunton; wd. 

May 8, '64; dis. Dec. 13, '64. 
Staples, Benjamin F., 22, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

ab. sick at M. O.; N. F. R. 
Sullivan, Daniel, 23, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Aug. 4, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; though 

ab. under arrest, and as such was carried to the Thirty- 
second. 
Taylor, George W. (Wagoner), 34, M.; teamster, Taunton; 

Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Feb. 1, '64. 
Terry, Apollos P., 22, S.; cooper, Taunton; Aug. 26, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Sept. 12, '64; M. O. June 13, '65. 



412 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Thayer, Edgar S. (1st Sergt.), 23, M.; farmer, Taunton; 

Aug. 22, '62; dis. Oct. 22, '63, for commission as 

Captain, Co. H, Seventh U. S. C. T. 
Thayer, Henry F., 29, M.; metal-worker, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '64, Co. H, 1st V. R. C. 
Thomas, Charles, 34, M.; moulder, Taunton; Aug. 12, '62 

d. a prisoner, Florence, S. C, Oct. — , '64. 
Thomas, Charles S. (Corp.), 23, S.; farmer, Raynham 

Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Tighe, Terrance, 39, M.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62 

trans. Oct. 27, '63, to Co. A, Twentieth V. R. C; dis. 

June 28, '65. 
Tinkham, Herbert, 21, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

June 2, '65. 
Tisdale, Samuel L., 24, S.; marine, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

trans. Navy May 4, '64; dis. July 15, '65. 
Titus, George L., 20, S.; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Mav 16, '65; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Townsend, Percival J. (Corp.), 23, S.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; no M. O. 
Turner, George, 37, S.; laborer, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

dis. disa., March 4, '63. 
Walsh, Harold, 19, M.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

des. July 9, '63. 
Walsh, William, 22, — ; — , Charlestown; July 25, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64, to May 16, '65; trans, to Thirty-second and 

M. O. 
Washburn, Otis (Corp.), 31, M.; clerk, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; Sergt. March 2, '63; dis. disa., Oct. 20, '63. 
Washburn, Salmon, Jr. (Corp.), 19, S. ; clerk, Taunton; 

Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. May 19, '65. 
Waters, Clark, 28, M.; carpenter, Boston; July 13, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 



Company F 413 

Webster, Charles C. (1st Sergt.), 25, M.; currier, Boston; 

June 26, '61, in Twelfth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; 

trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. O. W. D. Sept. 21, '64. 
Wescott, Andrew A., 28, S.; carpenter, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; Corp. May 6, '63; wd. May 8, '64; d. a prisoner, 

Richmond, June 1, '64. 
Wheeler, Charles E., 23, S.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
White, Albert R., 21, M.; butcher, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; 

dis. disa., Dec. 10, '62. 
Whitney, Lorenzo L., 21, M.; teamster, Boston; July 13, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Whitters, Edward, b. 1839, 23, S. ; harness-maker, Taunton; 

Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; harness manufacturer; 

d. Oct. 12, 1913. 
Williams, Reuben B. P., 23, M.; nailer, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; d. June 26, '63, Washington. 
Wilson, George W., 2d, 22, S. ; brickmaker, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; dis. disa., June 3, '64. 
Wood, David (Sergt.), 34, M.; Aug. 22, '62; 1st Sergt. 

Oct. 22, '63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to April 30, '65; prom. 

2d Lieut. June 7, '65; M. O. June 2, '65, as 1st Sergt. 
Wood, Jesse, 26, S.; painter, Taunton; Aug. 22, '62; dis. 

disa., Dec. 29, '63. 
Woodward, Edward M., 21, S.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; Corp. Nov. 1, '63; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. 

June 2, '65. 
Woodward, George T., 20, S. ; student, Taunton; Aug. 25, 

'62; trans, to U. S. Signal Corps Aug. 12, '63; served 

Dept. of Gulf; dis. July 18, '65; d. Sept. 17, '65, 

Taunton. 
Woodward, Matthew, 38, M.; moulder, Taunton; Aug. 22, 

'62; chief mus. Nov. 1, '63; vid. F. & S. 
Woodward, Roland P., 23, M.; machinist, Taunton; Aug. 

22, '62; wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 



414 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

COMPANY G 

Boston and South Shore 

Captain 

Ezra J. Trull, 20, S.; b. Sept. 13, 1842, Boston; Sept. 2, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; he had en. 
as Private in Co. A, Thirteenth Infty. and was dis. 
Aug. 30, '62, for prom, in the Thirty-ninth; in the 
firm of Chase & Trull, he was long a distiller in Charles- 
town; d. Charlestown, April 29, 1886; one of the best 
drilled men in the Regiment, after the war he enlisted 
as a private in the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M.; rose 
through the grades to its command and was at its head 
in the famous Bunker Hill Centennial Parade; also 
rose to a captaincy in the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery. 

First Lieutenants 

Charles W. Thompson, — , — ; Boston; Aug. 20, '62; on 

detached service nearly his entire term; dis. disa.. May 

3, '64. 
William G. Sheen, from Co. I ; prom. Captain Sept. 8, '64, 

Co. D, vice Spear, res. 
Charles K. Conn, March, '65; detached as Quarter-Master, 

One Hundred and Fourth N. Y. Vols.; M. O. June 2, 

'65; d. Oct. 3, 1906. 

Second Lieutenant 

Charles Henry Chapman, from Sergt. Major; commis- 
sioned Aug. 30, '62; mustered Nov. 11, '62; Act. Ass't 
Inspector Gen'l Fourth Brigade, 2d Div. 1st A. C. 
until Brig, was disbanded, July 17, '63; Pris. Aug. 
19, '64; prom. 1st Lieut. Sept. 6, '64, not mustered; 
dis. for Captaincy, Forty-first U. S. C. T., April 29, '65; 
commissioned Sept. 16, '64; Act. Ass't Adjt. Gen'l 
2d Brig. 2d Div. 25th A. C, and Post Adjt. Edinburg, 



Company G 415 

Texas, Sept. 2, '65, till disbandment of Brigade; M. 
O. Dec. 10, '65; 1866, manufacturer, Lambertville, 
N. J.; 1870 to '74, Civil Engineer in N. J. and N. 
E.; in Insurance Business '69 to '95, for much of the 
time officially connected with important fire com- 
panies; retired, 1895; since then, spending his winters 
in warm climates. The Lieutenant had been first 
Lieut, and Adjutant in the Fifth R. I. H. Arty., be- 
ginning Nov. 30, '61; dis. disa.. May 14, '62. 

Enlisted Men 
Adams, Joseph (Corp.), 28, S. ; seaman, Boston; Sept. 

2, '62; prom. Sergt. ; Pris. as Color Sergt. Aug. 19, '64; 

M.O.June 2, '65; d. 
Bailey, Charles C. (Corp.), 21, S.; clerk, Hingham; Sept. 

2, '62; ''dis. Dec. 23, '63, to en. U. S. Signal Corps," 

thus the record reads; on the contrary, Bailey en. as 

hospital steward, U. S. A., but on account of his 

excellent penmanship served as clerk in the office of 

the Surgeon General till the fall of 1865. 
Bailey, John W., 19, S.; farmer, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

prom. Sergt.; M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 
Bannon, James, 38, M.; boot crimper, Braintree; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. April 12, '65, Braintree. 
Barney, Horace, 23, — ; — , West Cambridge; Aug. 1, '62 

des. Aug. — , '62. 
Bates, Charles E., 24, S.; boatman, Scituate; Sept. 2, '62 

wd. May 8, '64; d. Nov. 2, '64, Baltimore, Md.; dead 
Bates, Lorenzo, 21, S.; butcher, Scituate; Sept. 2, '62 

trans. June 18, '64, V. R. C; dis. from One Hundred 

and Tenth Co., 2d Batt, V. R. C, Sept. 2, '65 

1913, Hingham Centre. 
Bird, John, 27, S.; farmer. West Boylston; July 24, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Blanding, Daniel W., 30, M.; shoemaker, Warren; July 14, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 



416 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Breck, Elijah F., 30, M.; lawyer, New Salem; N. H., cr. 
Westford; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. May 30, '65; dead. 

Bright, Willard (Mus.), 19, S.; laborer, Watertown; Sept. 
2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. March 29, '65. 

Broderick, James, 35, — ; — , Watertown, July 23, '62; 
des. Aug. — , '62. 

Brooks, Albert F., 26, M.; bookkeeper. So. Reading; July 
29, '61, in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Brown, Charles H. C, 23, M.; upholsterer, Boston; Sept. 
2, '62; prom. Corp.; dis. Oct. 2, '63, for Commission, 
U. S. C. T. ; 2d Lieut. Seventh Colored Infty. ; 1st 
Lieut, and Adjutant Oct. 21, '64; bvt. Captain March 
13, '65; M. O. Oct. 13, '66; 1913, Brookline. 

Butters, Willie R., 18, S.; farmer, Reading; Dec. 28, '63, 
Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. March 
31, '65, Hatcher's Run; trans, to Thirty-second and 
M. O.; 1913, Plymouth. 

Carlin, Thomas B., 22, S.; printer, Barnard, Vt., cr. Brook- 
line; Sept. 25, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Chapman, Timothy B., 31, M.; shoemaker. So. Scituate; 
Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Ridge Hill. 

Chase, Timothy H., 27, S. ; blacksmith, Charlestown; July 
8, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Child, Henry, 45, — ; — , — ; en. July 29, '62; des. Aug. 
— , '62. 

Chipman, Andrew A. (1st Sergt.), 25, S. ; fireworker, 
Salem; June 26, '61, in Twelfth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 5, 
'64; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Aug. 23, '64, O. W. D.; 
later 1st Lieut. Fourth H. Arty.; M. O. June 17, '65. 

Chubbuck, Eleazer, 18, M.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 
2, '62; M. O.June 2, '65; dead. 

Churchill, James T., 21, M.; painter, Hingham; Sept. 2, 
'62; d. a prisoner June 24, '64, Andersonville; grave 
2416. 



Company G 417 

Clapp, Caleb W., 22, S.; shoemaker, So. Scltuate; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. on account of wds. May 8, '64; dead. 
Cochrane, George, 33, M.; oysterman, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62; trans. Sept. 30, '63, Co. A, Sixth V. R. C; M. O. 

June 2, '65. 
Connell, John, 33, M.; farmer, Concord; Sept. 2, '62; 

trans. Aug. 2, '64, V. R. C; dis. from Co. B, Sixth V. 

R. C; July 3, '65; dead. 
Corrigan, Thomas, 27, S.; waiter, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; d. Togus, Me. 
Corthell, John, b. Sept. 15, 1836; 25, M.; carpenter. So. 

Scituate; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; provision 

dealer, constable and tree warden; 1913, Somerville. 
Cowan, Thomas, 23, M.; clerk, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; dis. 

disa. Feb. 28, '63. 
Creswell, John, 29, S.; boat builder, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; M, O. June 2, '65; had served in Co. I, Fourth 

M. V. M., 3 mos. term; dead. 
Damon, Andrew J., 19, S.; mason, Scituate; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., July 31, '63; dead. 
Danbenmayer, Charles, 20, S.; farrier. West Cambridge; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; sup- 
posed to have joined the Rebels and afterwards killed. 
Day, Joshua D., 21, M.; shoemaker, Weymouth; June 26, 

'61, in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. March 20, '64; trans. 

to Thirty-ninth; prom. Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 

trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Dean, Warren F., 25, S.; farmer, Taunton; Sept. 23, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Delany, Jack M., 19, M.; printer, Worcester; Sept. 2, '62 

des. July 9, '63. 
Dodge, William G., 18, — ; farmer, Essex; Sept. 2, '62 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Salem. 
Earle, William H., 37, M.; carpenter, Melrose; Sept. 2, '62 

dis. June 12, '65; had served in the Navy. 



418 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Elliot, Andrew L. (Mus.), 23, S.; shoemaker, Maiden; 

Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 5, '65. 
Elliot, George A., 25, — ; — , en. Boston; Aug. 8, '62; 

deserted. 
Elwell, Daniel R., 22, S.; shoemaker. So. Scltuate; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 24, '65; M. O. July 

14, '65. 
Fitzgerald, Michael A., 21, — ; bootmaker, Boston; April 

4, '62, in Thirteenth Infty.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to April 

25, '65; M. O. May 17, '65. 

Fitzgerald, William, 23, M.; shoemaker, Uxbridge; July 
16, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 
wd. May 7, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 

Ford, Charles E. H., 22, S.; operative, Blackstone; Sept. 
2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Foster, Jacob, 21, — ; — , — ; Aug. 8, '62; des. Aug. — , '62. 

French, Benjamin W., 18, S. ; So. Scituate; Sept. 2, '62; 
dis. disa., Nov. 21, '62; 1913, Ridge Hill. 

French, Charles E., 20, S.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, 
'62; d. a prisoner May 19, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

French, Henry C. (Corp.), 26, S.; sailmaker, Hingham; 
Sept. 2, '62; prom. Sergt. ; shot by Rebel guard Aug. 

26, '64, Belle Isle, Richmond, Va. 

Gardner, George D., 34, S.; painter, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. Aug. 4, '65, City Point, Va. 
Glines, Alvin R., 21, S.; farmer, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, No. Scituate. 
Goodwin, Thomas, 23, S.; teamster, Bromfield, Me., cr. 

Charlestown; July 17, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Gorman, Michael, 22, S.; shoemaker, Lynn; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 9, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Hall, Samuel, 28, M.; picture-framer, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; 

prom. Corp.; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Oct. 3, 1912. 
Ham, Henry W. (Sergt.), 27, S.; clerk, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 31, '63; dead. 



Company G 419 

Hanson, Franklin K., 32, M.; shoemaker. So. Scituate; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 
Hatch, George C., 19, S.; clerk, West Cambridge; Sept. 

2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Chicago. 
Hatch, Grafton, 22, S.; carpenter, Mansfield or Marsh- 
field; Sept. 2, '62; wd. May 5, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; 

dead. 
Hayden, Zenas M. (Corp.), 26, M.; mechanic, Randolph; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris., d. Feb. 4, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Hayes, Edmund P., 18, S.; clerk, Westboro; March 24, 

'62, in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. 

Aug, 18, '64; d. Sept. 15, '64, a returned prisoner, 

Annapolis, Md. 
Haynes, Albert S., 20, S.; shoecutter, Hingham; d. of wds. 

June 11, '64, Hingham. 
Hersey, Alfred, 29, M.; teamster, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Hersey, George L., 31, M.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 
Hersey, Henry F., 29, M.; carpenter, Hingham; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64, to March 1, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, 

Soldiers' Home, Chelsea. 
Hill, John M., 32, S.; bootmaker, Westboro; Feb. 27, '62, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Feb. 

17, '65, ex. of s, 
Hutchins, Samuel W. (Corp.), 21, S.; plumber, Watertown; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 24, '65; M. O. 

June 2, '65; d. May 10, 1900, Guilford, Me. 
Hyland, Albert (Wagoner), 21, — ; — , Watertown; July 

24, '62;des. Feb. 11, '63. 
Jackson, William H., 25, M.; carpenter, Melrose; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa.. May 19, '64. 
Jacobs, William H. (Corp.), 31, M.; blacksmith, Hingham; 

Sept. 2, '62; prom. 1st Sergt.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, and 

escaped while on his way from Richmond to Salisbury; 

M. O. June 6, '65. 



420 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Jones, Charles S., 18, S.; clerk, Melrose; Sept. 2, '62; trans. 

March 31, '64, to Fiftieth Co., 2d Batt. V. R. C; dis. 

June 24, '65; 1913, Chelsea. 
Jones, George W., 22, M.; farmer, Randolph; Feb. 25, '64, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

One Hundred and Seventeenth Co., 2d Batt. V. R. C, 

April 17, '65; dis. Oct. 12, '65. 
Kennedy, John, 21, M.; cooper, Boston; en. July 29, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans. May 5, '64, to V. R. C. 
Lawless, Maurice (Mus.), 18, — ; — , Maiden; Sept. 2, 

'62; N. F. R. 
Leach, Edmund C, 23, S.; blacksmith, Worcester; July 

18, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Leavitt, Henry W., 18, S. ; shoemaker, Scituate; Dec. 8, 

'63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and 

M. O. 
Lendall, Samuel N., 37, S. ; seaman, Manchester; July 10, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., 

Nov. 29, 64. 
Leroy, Charles, 22, — ; — , Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. 

June 2, '65; dead. 
Lewis, James, 18, S.; carpenter, Boston; June 26, '61, in 

Twelfth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth; wd. May 31, '64; dis. on account of wds. March 

8, '65. 
Lincoln, Benjamin C, 22, S.; bookkeeper, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62; prom. Corp.; dis. Aug. 25, '63, for commission, 

U. S. C. T.; Captain Second Colored Infty.; Major, 

July 30, '64; d. Key West, Fla., from wds. rec'd 

March 6, '65, Natural Bridge, Fla. 
McCann, John, 19, — ; — , Belmont; Sept. 2, '62; N. F. R. 
McNaughton, Michael, 36, M.; carpenter, Boston; Sept. 

2, '62; trans. Jan. 5, '64, to V. R. C; dead. 
Miller, George L., 23, M.; upholsterer, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. Feb. 26, '63, as Corp., Poolesville, Md. 



Company G 421 

Miller, Henry F., 21, S.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; prom. Corp.; d. of wds. May 25, '64, Washington, 

D. C, dead. 
Minard, Nelson C, 21, S.; clerk, Chelsea; Aug. 1, '62, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; re-en. March 31, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Mordo, John A., 30, M.; clerk, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; trans. 

to Thirty-seventh Co., 2d Batt. V. R. C; dis. June 

28, '65; dead. 
Murdock, George, 19, S. ; farmer, Boston; June 26, '61, 

in Twelfth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 1, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Murphy, Thomas, 30, M.; shoemaker, Roxbury; Aug. 5, 

'63, in Thirteenth Infty.; Pris. and d. Jan. 1, '65, 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Neal, John S., 30, M.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 16, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Newcomb, Levi, 45, M.; mariner, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., June 11, '63; dead. 
O'Hara, Patrick, 25, — ; — , Watertown; June 29, '62; des. 

Dec. 27, '62. 
Ord, John, 33, M.; farmer, Belmont; Sept., '62; trans. 

March 7, '64, to Co. C, Twenty-fourth V. R. C; dis. 

June 28, '65; 1913, Ridgebury, Conn. 
O'Sullivan, Thomas, 20, S.; seaman, Boston; Oct. 13, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 18, 

'64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Parsons, John G., 29, S.; painter, Boston; July 25, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Penniman, John M., 19, M.; shoemaker, So. Scituate; 

Sept. 2, '62 ; prom. Sergt. ; wd. March 31, '65 ; dis. disa., 

July 25, '65; dead. 
Pike, Jacob F., 22, S.; farmer, Melrose; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. 

June 13, '65. 
Pingree, Charles C. (Sergt.), 25, S.; clerk, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O.June 2, '65. 



422 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Pomeroy, Alonzo, 26, M.; farmer, Roxbury; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 5, '64; M. O. as Corp. June 2, '65; 1913, 

Paris, Me. 
Poole, Charles N., 18, S.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. May 5, '64; dis. disa., Dec. 17, '64; 1913, 

Pembroke. 
Prouty, Benjamin W., 34, S. ; farmer, So. Scituate; Sept. 

'62; dis. disa., Sept. 12, '64; dead. 
Prouty, Elijah, 26, M.; shoemaker, Weymouth; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. Dec. 9, '63, Washington, D. C. 
Prouty, Isaac, 44, M.; shoemaker. So. Scituate; Sept. 2, 

'62; trans, to Co. D, Twelfth V. R. C, Sept. 7, '63; 

dis. June 28, '65; dead. 
Prouty, John H. (Sergt.), 23, M.; clicker, So. Scituate; 

Sept. 2, '62; prom. 2d Lieut. June 7, '65; M. O. as 

Sergt. June 2, '65; 1913, Ridge Hill. 
Prouty, William, Jr., 28, M.; teamster. So. Scituate; Sept. 

2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 
Roby, David F., 28, M.; mechanic, Cambridge; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 31, '63; dead. 
Russell, Harry H., 21, M.; cook, So. Danvers; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 9, '65, Washington, D. C. 
Sanborn, William H., 18, S. ; pedler, Boston; June 26, '61, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 1, '64; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Shaw, Patrick J., 29, — ; blacksmith, Weymouth; Dec. 10, 

'63; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64; trans, as Corp. to Thirty-second and 

M. O. 
Sherman, Calvin F., 17, S.; farmer, So. Scituate; Sept. '62; 

M. O., June 2, '65. 
Short, Thomas G., 18, S ; moulder, Cambridge; Sept. 2, 

*62; prom. Corp.; d. as prisoner, Jan. 9, '65, Salisbury, 

N. C. 
Simmons, Thomas, 33, M.; farmer, So. Scituate; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. March 3, '64, Washington, D. C. 



Company G 423 

Skeele, Milo B., 24, M.; teamster, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; dead. 
Skinner, John B., 40, M.; farmer Boston; Nov. 5, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

thirty-second and M. O. 
Smith, Stratton V., 34, M.; clerk, Charlestown; July 9, 

'63; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. Nov. 

16, '64, a prisoner, Salisbury, N. C. 
Spaulding, Charles A. (Mus.), 21, S.; farmer, Boston; Sept. 

2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19 '64; M. O. June 13, '65. 
Spear, Edward A. F., 33, M.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 

2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 21, '65, SaH bury, 

N. C. 
Sprague, Seth M., 19, S.; farmer, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, So. Hingham. 
Sprague, Thomas, 35, S.; farmer, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

d. July 5, '64, Washington, D. C. 
Stebbins, Thaddeus S., 32, M.; bookbinder, Melrose; 

Sept. 2, '62; for some reason, not stated, trans, to 

Thirty-second Infty. 
Stetson, Warren, 25, M.; clerk, Braintree; July 17, '63; in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. May 18, 

'65. 
Stockwell, Alonzo G., 22, S. ; farmer, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. Aug. 18, '64; dis. Sept. 1, '65, as of One 

Hundred and Fifth Co., Second Batt., V. R. C; dead. 
Stone, Henry D. (Corp.), 18, S. ; clerk, Melrose; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Sept. 30, '63; later in Co. H, Fifty-ninth 

Infty.; d. Togus, Me., April, 1912. 
Sylvester, John Q. A., 40, M.; farmer, Randolph; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 10, '63; later in Co. H, Second 

H. Arty.; dead. 
Thayer, Noah W., 31, S.; bootmaker, Weymouth; Dec. 11, 

'63; in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. a 

prisoner, Nov. 16, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Thomas, Alpheus (Corp.), 25, M.; shoemaker, So. Scituate; 

Sept. 2, '62; prom. Sergt. ; Second Lieut. Sept. 15, '64; 



424 Thirty-xixth Massachusetts Regimext 

vide Co. K. ; had served In Co. I, Fourth ]\I. V. M. 

three mos. term, 1861; dead. 
Thomas, Orson C, 28; — , — ; Watertown; July 15, '62; 

des. Aug. — , '62. 
Thomas, William O., 32, IM.; farmer, So. Scituate; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Hanson. 
Tisdale. Charles H., 29, M.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 

2, '02; dis. disa., Nov. 4, '62; dead. 
Torrey, Franklin J., 26. M.; butcher, Hingham; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64; dis. disa., Dec. '65; dead. 
Van Winkle. Henrv M. (1st Sergt.), 22, S.; dentist, Boston; 

Sept. 2. "62; dis. O. W. D.. June 11, '63; vide First 

U. S. C. T. 
Warren. Daniel S., 36. W. ; bootmaker, Hopkinton; July 

16, '61. in Thirteenth Infty.; for some reason, not 

stated, he evidently had to make up time and was 

trans, to the Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second 

and M. O. ' 

Webster, Samuel D., 16, S.; printer. Martlnsburg, Va. ; 

Feb. 28, '62, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, as Mus. to 

the Thirty-ninth; dis. Feb. 28, '65, ex. of s. 
Welch, Augustus W.. 32. S.; painter. Roxbury; July 9, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Weston. Charles B. (Wagoner), 34, M.; carpenter. East 

Fairport, Vt. ; Sept. 2, '62; N. F. R. 
W'hite, George W., 23, M.; shoemaker, Scituate; Dec. 8, 

'63 ; wd. May 12, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O., 

1913, Randolph. 
White, Jeremiah C, 23, S.; bookmaker, Boston; June 26, 

'61, in Twelfth Infty. ; his record seems to be irregular, 

though he was trans, to the Thirty-ninth, thence to 

the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Whiting. Franklin T., 21, S.; teamster, Pembroke; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, No. Abington. 
Whiting, George W., 22, S.; hostler, Pembroke; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Feb. 8, '64; dead. 



Company H 425 

Whiting, T. D., en. July — , '62; N. F. R. save "deserted, 

Aug.— '62." 
Wilder, Albert, 21, S.; shoemaker, Hingham; Sept. 2, '62; 

d. from wds. June 1, '64, Washington, D. C. 
Wilson, John, 2d, 23, — ; seaman, Charlestown; July 27, 

'63, in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to the Thirty-ninth, 

thence to the Thirty-second and M. O. 
Woodbury, William H., 28, M.; lawyer, Boston; Sept. 2, 

'62 ; dis. disa., Jan. 9, '63 ; dead. 
Young, Charles E., 32, M.; shoemaker; So. Scituate; 

Sept. 2, '62; prom. Corp.; wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 

1, '65; dead. 

COMPANY H 
Dorchester 

Captain 

Charles N. Hunt, 39, M.; stonecutter, Quincy; Sept. 2, 
'62; M. O.June 2, '65. 

First Lieutenants 

Robert Rhodes, 46, M.; contractor, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 
'62; res. disa., Nov. 11, '62. 

Willard C. Kinsley, from Co. E, Nov. 13, '62; prom. Cap- 
tain, Co. K, March 30, '64. 

Luther F. Wyman, from Co. K, March 20, '64; June 16, 
'64, while on detached service, guarding Rebel pris- 
oners, Rock Island, 111., was prom. Captain in Second 
U. S. Vols., composed of former Confederates, Feb. 
18, '65; M. O. Nov. 7, 1865; d. "out West," 1892. 

Second Lieutenants 

Robert Williams, 24, S.; brittania-maker; Dorchester; 
Sept. 2, '62; res. disa., Feb. 2, '63; d. Ashland, Nov. 
12, '94. 



426 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Charles W. Hanson, from Sergt. Major, Jan. 25, '63; trans, 
to Co. E as 2d Lieut. 

John H. Dusseault, from Co. E, Oct. 20, '63; wd. sHghtly 
three times at Spottsylvania; severely, Aug. 18, '64, 
Weldon R. R. ; Prom. 1st Lieut. Sept. 8, '64; not mus- 
tered; dis. from wds. Dec. 10, '64; sealer of weights and 
measures, Somerville; 1913, Somerville. Lt.D.'s printed 
account of Co. E used extensively in this book. 

Charles K. Conn, from Sergt. Major Feb. 1, '65; prom. 
1st Lieut. March, '65. 



Enlisted Men 

Arris, Herbert, 18, S.; milkman, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 5, '64, ilderness; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Baker, Frederick, 18, S. ; laborer, Roxbury, cr. Dorchester: 

Feb. 15, '64; k Aug. 19, '64. 
Barker, Alfred H., 19, S. ; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. Jan. 3, '64, Culpepper Va. 
Barker, George W., 18, S.; junkdealer, Dorchester; Aug. 

31, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '61, Ninety-sixth Co., 2d Batt. 

V. R. C; dis. from hospital, Baltimore, Md., Oct. 18, 

'64; 1913, Dorchester. 
Barrett, William I., b. Sept. 13, 1839; 22, S. ; painter, Dor- 
chester; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; house painting; 

1913, Lynn. 
Bartoll, William H., 20, S.; painter, Marblehead; July 10, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. July 

1, '64, Washington, D. C. 
Beck, William J., 35, — ; carpenter, Lynn; Sept. 2, '62; 

des. Aug. 28, '62, quitting before he was mustered, but 

such is the record. 
Bergeson, Joseph, 22, S. ; farmer, Boston; Dec. 4, '63; wd. 

May 10, '64; dis. disa., Oct. 10, '64. 
Billings, George W., 31, M.; candle maker, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; dis. May 20, '65; 1913, Roxbury. 



Company H 427 

Bird, Joel E., 18, S. ; cabinet-maker, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; d. Dec. 20, '63. 
Blanchard, Brainard P., 18, S. ; clerk, Boston; Aug. 18, '62, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Jan 4, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth; dis. Aug. 16, '64, for commission in 

U. S. C. T.; 1st Lieut. One Hundred and Sixteenth 

Colored Infty.; bvt. Captain March 13, '65; M. O. 

Aug. 7, '67. 
Blanchard, William F., 23, S. ; seaman, Boston; July 16, 

'61, in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth; dis. Aug. 16, '64, for commission U. S. 

C. T. ; 2d Lieut. Twenty-seventh U. S. Colored Infty. ; 

1st Lieut. April 6, '65; bvt. Capt. March 13, '65; 

M. O. Sept. 21, '65. 
Bouldry, Welcome W., farmer, Raynham; 37, M.; Sept. 

2, '62; d. Jan. 4, '64, Alexandria, Va. 
Bowen, Edward J., 20, S. ; clerk, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. Sept. 10, 64, for commission U. S. C. T. ; 1913, 

Central Falls, R. I. 
Bradshaw, Elbridge, b. April 24, 1831; (Corp.), 31, M. 

confectioner, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; prom. Sergt 

2d Lieut. Jan. 7. '65; M. O. as Sergt. June 2, '65 

salesman and librarian; 1913, librarian, lower hall, 

Boston Public Library. 
Bronsdon, Frederick H., 24, S.; mechanic, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; M. O. May 20, '65; d. Dec. 31, 1911. 
Brown, George, 27, S.; laborer, Eastham; July 27, '63; 

trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Brunei, Joseph, 18, S.; laborer, Roxbury; Feb. 9, '64; 

missing since Aug. 19, '64; J. H. Fames says, " Pris. 

and des." 
Burke, Christopher, 18, S.; laborer, Dedham; July 28, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Carr, Bernard, 26, — ; laborer, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; record 

says, "not mustered"; N. F. R. 



428 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Carroll, John, 42, S. ; tailor, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; dis. 
disa., Dec. 19, '64. 

Carter Calvin, 31, M.; farmer. Petersham; Sept. 22, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty. ; record has, "dis. disa., Dec. 11, 
'63,"; why is his name carried on the rolls of the 
Thirty-ninth? 

Chase, Andrew J., 26, S. ; carpenter, Roxbury; Oct. 3, 
'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to the Thirty-ninth, 
thence to Thirty second and M. O. ; this comrade was 
an inventor of great distinction, having devised the 
cold blast refrigerator cars, now in general use, ena- 
bling meats to be transferred over the entire country 
and across the sea, thus making him one of the world's 
great benefactors; he died in the Chelsea Soldiers' 
Home Jan. 17, 1913. 

Chase, William, 21, S.; seaman, Albany, N. Y., cr. Dennis; 
July 25, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Childs, Edward J., b. Dec. 7, 1844; 19, S.; curtain fixtures, 
Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 27, 
'65; M. O. June 9, '65; shoemaking; 1913, Natick. 

Childs, Francis J., 18, S. ; shoemaker, Dorchester; Sept. 
2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Marlborough. 

Claffey, John, 28, — ; carder, Pittsfield; July 14, '63, in 
Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. May 
15, '65. 

Clark, William H., 16, S.; clerk, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 
dis. May 18, '65; real name, Wm. H. Signor, vide 
letter, W. D., June 9, 1906; d. about 1900, Danville, 
Va., while superintendent of National Cemetery. 

Collins, Patrick, 39, S.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 
d. a prisoner Nov. 18, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Combs, Erastus N., 23, M.; farmer, Boylston; July 13, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; des. July 
15, '64. 

Corcoran, George, 22, — ; silk dyer, Salem; des. Aug. 29, '62. 



Company H 429 

Craig, Charles H,, 22, S. ; painter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '64; 1913, Needham. 
Cram, Jesse T., 22, M.; teamster, Milton; Oct. 22, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Co. C, Nineteenth V. R. C; dis. Aug. 3, '65. 
Dailey, Michael, 18, S.; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris, Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 26, '65; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Damon, Charles E., 21, M.; bootmaker, Warren; July 14, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. 

June 1, '65. 
Dana, Dexter E., 18, S. ; student, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

trans. Jan. 5, '64, V. R. C; 1913, Burlington, Wis. 
Davis, John, 45, M.; morocco dresser, Lynn; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. May 30, '65. 
Dimond, John, 36, M.; stonecutter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64, Spottsylvania; dis. disa., May 15, 

'65. 
Doody, John, 32, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Dec. 13, '63; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Nov. 17, '64, Annapolis, Md. 
Driscoll, James, 18, S.; curtain fixtures, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; d. Nov. 14, '64, Ft. Schuyler, N. Y. Harbor. 
Dunn, Charles (Wagoner), 3S, M.; teamster, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; trans, to One Hundred and Twelfth Co., 

Twelfth Batt., V. R. C; dis. disa., Sept. 10, '64. 
Ellis, Charles J., 24, S. ; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., Feb. 5, '63. 
Farren, James, 25, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 5, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 26, '65; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Farrington, David S., 31, S.; hostler, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. May 8, '64; prom. Corp., Sergt., May 1, '65; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
Ferguson, John, 22, — ; farmer, Boston; des. Aug. 29, '62. 
Fink, John, 24, S.; bar keeper, Boston, cr. Worcester; July 

24, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 



430 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Fish, Isaac H., 38, M.; confectioner, Dorchester; wd. 
"June 3, '65," so says the roll at State House, but 
'64 is evidently intended; M. O. June 10, '65; 1913, 
Boston. 

Fisher, Richard H. (1st Sergt.), 28, M.; stonecutter, 
Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; wd. May 5, '64; prom. 2d 
Lieut. Sept. 8, '64; not mustered; dis. disa.. May 21, 
1865. 

Fitz, Thomas D., 22, S.; printer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 
wd. June 22, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 

Fobes, John H., 23, S. ; teamster, Dorchester; Sept, 2, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; d. Sept. 7, 1913, Neponset. 

Follen, John, 18, S.; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; wd. 
May 12, '64; dis. July 8, '65; 1913, Roxbury. 

French, George L., 18, S. ; nail maker, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 
'62; d. Dec. 9, '63, Alexandria, Va. 

Gammon, Randall T., 24, S.; clerk, Abington; Aug. 3, '63; 
d. a prisoner, Nov. 17, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Gardner, Elisha P. F., b. Feb. 12, 1833 (Corp.), 29, M.; 
expressman, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '61; dis. disa., May 
4, '63; later, Co. B, Second H. Arty.; expressing for 
many years; met his death, Jan. 28, 1913 — the funny 
man of "Poet's Corner," Nantucket. 

Geouggenheimer, Samuel, 21, S.; — , France, cr. Bos- 
ton; July 21, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty- 
ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Gerrish, Timothy, 21, S.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 
'62; M. O. June 14, '65. 

Gline, David, 23, S.; farmer, en. Boston, cr. Taunton; 
Jan. 2, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Goodhue, Manassah C, 40, M.; blacksmith, Dorchester; 
Sept. 2, '62; May 18, '65. 

Grover, Jeremiah O., 28, M.; farmer, Wrentham; July 15, 
'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Harris, Sullivan B., 28, M.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 
'62; k. June 23, '64, Petersburg. 



Company H 431 

Healey, Stephen C, 21, M.; clerk, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., Dec. 30, '62. 
Henderson, Oliver F., 23, S.; sailor, Acton; July 20, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Henry, Michael, 36, M.; mason, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., April 11, '64. 
Hill, Daniel G., 26, M.; confectioner, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; M.O.June 2, '65. 
Hill, Gilman L., 27, M.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; prom. Corp.; wd. May 11, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Hill, Joseph, 23, M.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

trans. Oct. 25, '63, to V. R. C; dis. from Forty-sixth 

Co., Second Batt., Aug. 25, '65. 
Holmes, George (Corp.), 40, M.; building mover, Dor- 
chester; Sept. 2, '62; d. Aug. 6, '64; W. D. letter June 

4, '69. 
Holmes, Robert T., 18, M.; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; N. F. R. 
Hunt, Sylvester, 23, S.; teamster, Acton; July 9, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Jenkins, Albert, 26, M.; shoemaker, Stoneham; July 10, 

'61, in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Jones, David L., 18, S.; shoemaker, Boston; July 10, '61, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, as Sergt. 

to Thirty-ninth; dis. as supernumerary, July 1, '64; 

later in Co. G, Fourth Cavalry. 
Jones, Llewellyn, 20, S.; painter, Stoneham; July 10, '61, 

in Thirteenth Infty; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, as Corp. 

to Thirty-ninth; dis. as Supernumerary, July 1, '64. 
Johnson, David, 21, S. ; farmer, Natick; July 16, '63; in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 



432 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Johnson, William, 1st, 28, S.; seaman, Brighton; July 25, 

'63; in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Jordan, Thomas W. D., 18, M.; teamster, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. April, 1911, S. H., 

Chelsea. 
Kelley, Thomas, 22, S. ; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 24, '65; 

M. O. June 13, '65; 1913, Washington, D. C. 
Keniston, William H., 28, S.; teamster, Lowell; July 9, '63; 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Kerr, John, 40, S. ; tailor, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; trans, to 

Co. B, Twenty-first Regiment, V. R. C, Sept. 16, *63; 

dis. July 31, '65. 
Kimball, Charles W., 21, M.; clerk, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; trans, to V. R. C. May 5, '64. 
Kimball, Eugene F., 18, M.; milkman, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to May 1, '65; M. O. July 

15, '65. 
Landers, Daniel, 45, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 29, '63. 
Langley, Samuel A., 18, S.; porter, Roxbury; Oct. 21, '62, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Oct. 

21, '64, ex. of s. 
Lines, Daniel, 26, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, No. Billerica. 
Loring, Abraham, 43, M.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Dec. 29, '62. 
Loring, A. A, (Corp.), 43, M.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; no M. O. 
Lothrop, Alanson A. (Corp.), 24, M.; curtain fixtures, Dor- 
chester; Sept. 2, '62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. May 

31, '65. 
McCarthy, Eugene, 25, S.; hostler, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; dis. May 15, '65. 



Company H 433 

McFarland, William, 44, M.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62;dis. disa., Jan. 29, '63. 
McGaken, Robert T., 22, S. ; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; as Corp., wd. and missing since March 31, '65. 
Makell, Charles, 32, M.; barber, Dennis; July 28, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. June 

6, '65. 

Marty, Jacob, 35, S. ; farmer, Taunton; July 27, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Maxwell, James H., 29, M.; farmer, Monterey; July 14, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

as Corp. to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Millett, George C, 34, M.; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris.; d. Nov. 15, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Millett, John H., 34, M.; teamster, Boston; Nov. 16, '63; 

d. a prisoner Dec. 1, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 
Monk, George W., b. Aug. 24, 1843; (Mus.), 19, S.; musi- 
cian, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June 10, '65; 

musician; 1913, Quincy. 
Monk, Robert (Sergt.), 23, S.; stonecutter, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to Feb. 26, '65; M. O. 

June 2, '65; his diary useful in compiling this book; 

d. in Quincy, Aug. 15, 1870; bur. Mt. Wollaston 

Cemetery with Grand Army and Masonic honors and 

rites, 

Morrison, James H. (Sergt.), 28, M.; carriage-trimmer, 

Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; prom. 1st Sergt.; 2d Lieut. 

Dec. 20, '64; not mustered ;dis. as Sergt., June 13, 1865. 
Murray, Thomas, 19, S. ; cooper, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. March 27, '65, from injuries 

rec'd on R. R. 

Newton, Benjamin S. (Sergt.), 28, S. ; car-driver, Dorches- 
ter; Sept. 2, '62; M. O. June, '65; 1913, No. Rum- 
ford, Me. 



434 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Norton, Frank F., 28, M.; druggist, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; Pris. d. April 14, '64, Andersonville. 
Page, Chester, S. 23, M.; stonecutter, Dorchester; Sept., 

'62; prom. Corp.; Sergt. Feb. 1, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Palmer, William, 18, S.; teamster, Boston; Sept. 2, '62; 

N. F. R. 
Perry, Oliver H., 39, M.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Patterson, Joseph, 30, S. ; mason, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 29, '63. 
Phelps, John, 31, S.; printer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; d. 

Aug. 28, '64, from wds. rec'd May 8, '64. 
Pierce, William L. G., 32, M.; apothecary, Lincoln; July 

14, '63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Prescott, Benjamin F,, 30, M.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; prom. Corp.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 3, 

'65; M. O. June 13, '65. 
Preston, John, 25, S.; laborer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 29, '63. 
Richards, Edward D., 30, M.; millwright, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; k. May 23, '64. 
Richards, John, 30, M.; sailmaker, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. May 10, '64; dis. June 1, '65. 
Richardson, Charles W., 25, S. ; mechanic, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; prom. Sergt.; d. March 28, '65. 
Robie, John E., 18, S. ; jig sawyer, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; k. Aug. 19, '64. 
Rouse, Stephen N., 21, S.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; M. O. June 10, '65; d. Washington, D. C. 
Russell, George S., 23, S.; iceman, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; dis. disa., Feb. 3, '62,; d. about 1909, Pembroke. 
Savil, Samuel O. (Corp.), 22, S.; wheelwright, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; was a prisoner for a time; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Seaverns, Henry A. (Sergt.), 20, S.; machinist, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; 2d Lieut. March 30, '64; vide Co. K. 



Company H 435 

Shean, Patrick, 27, M.; hostler, Dorchester; Sept. 2, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. May 13, '65. 
Signor, W. H.; vide Wm. H. Clark. 
Smith, Henry W., 27, M.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Boston. 
Smith, Richard C, 36, M.; turner, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62;dis. disa., Feb. 2, '63. 
Southworth, Dallas, 18, S.; apothecary, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; Pris. Aug. 14, '64, to Feb. 26, '65; no M. O. 
Stanley, Francis A., 32, M.; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; trans. U. S. Navy April 19, '64; 1913, Holbrook. 
Stone, Andrew C, 22, M.; blacksmith, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; k. May 5, '64. 
Sumner, Franklin H., 26, M.; teamster, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '65; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. from wds. Feb. 25, '65. 
Sumner, William S., 20, S. ; carpenter, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Aug. 18, 1910, Jamaica 

Plain. 
Sweetland, Benjamin E., 33, M.; farmer, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; M.O. June 2, '65. 
Thomas, George N. B., 18, S.; confectioner, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; dis. May 18, '65, O. W. 

D., Tilton General Hosp., Delaware. 
Tileston, Ebenezer (Corp.), 20, S. ; clerk, Dorchester; 

Sept. 2, '62; d. March 12, '65, a paroled prisoner, 

Annapolis, Md. 
Tileston, Lemuel (Corp.), 19, S. ; clerk, Dorchester; Sept. 

2, '62; missing after May 8, '64, N. F. R., though it is 

probable that he d. in rebel prison. 
Toombs, Elliott L., 26, S. ; boatmaker, Weymouth; des. 

Aug. 28, '62. 
Veit, Frederick, 32, M.; bootmaker, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; k. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania. 
Walford, Thomas, 25, S. ; carpenter, Seekonk; July 28, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 



436 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Wares, Franklin, 25, S. ; painter, Huntington; July 20, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O.; also given as M. O. in the 

Thirty-ninth, June 5, '65. 
Wheeler, Nathaniel J., 24, S.; laborer, Boston; July 13, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O.; also said to have been 

M. O. from the Twelfth. 
Whiley, James, 19, S.; painter, Somerville; Sept. 2, '62; 

M. O. July 14, '65. 
Whittier, Leavitt, 21, S.; marketman, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; wd. Aug. 18, '64; M. O. May 18, '65. 
Wright, Theodore S., 24, M.; tinner, Pittsfield; July 14, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., 

Feb. 9, '65. 
Wyman, George, 32, M.; stonecutter, Dorchester; Sept. 2, 

'62; k. May 5, '64, Wilderness. 

COMPANY I 

Natick 

Captains 

Ephraim H. Brigham, 40, M.; Deputy Sheriff, Natick; 
Aug. 25, '62; dis. disa., Sept. 4, '64; d. Aug. 21, 1877. 

John D. Reed, from 1st Lieut., Sept. 6, '64; M. O. June 2, 
1865; was born in Taunton, Mar. 15, 1827; in grocery 
business in Taunton till his death, Sept. 16, 1890; a 
member of the Winslow Congregational Church, he 
was esteemed by all. 

First Lieutenants 

Simon Mulligan, 36, M.; trader, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; dis. 
disa., Sept. 19, '63; d. Nov. 15, 1905; b. Boston, 
Mar. 1, 1825, of Irish and Scotch ancestry; he was 
educated in the Boston Schools, going thence to 
Natick and there learning the shoemaker's trade; 
later as a sailor, he was shipwrecked on the Cape 



Company I 437 

Verde Islands; later still, he was a Californian Argo- 
naut and, at his death, was a member and director 
in the Society of California Pioneers of "'49 "; after 
the war he conducted a prosperous restaurant and 
billiard saloon; a member of the Masonic Order, he 
was also prominent in the councils of Post 63, G. A. R., 
where his ability in dramatics and recitations was of 
signal service; his form and bearing readily proclaimed 
him a gentleman of the "Old School. " 

Wm. G. Sheen, temporarily from Co. D, Oct. '63; thence 
as 1st Lieut, to Co. G. 

John D. Reed, from Co. F, Sept. 20, '63; wd. Aug. 18, '64; 
prom. Captain Co. I. 

William H. Brown, from 2d Lieut.; M. O. June 2, 1865. 

Second Lieutenants 

William H. Brown, 27, S. ; cordwalner, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; 1st Lieut. Sept. 8, '64; vide Co. I; had been 1st 
Sergt., Co. H, Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, 
was dis. to receive promotion in the Thirty-ninth. 

Oliver P. Ricker, from Co. B, Sept. 8, '64; M. O. June 6, 
1865; Adjustant Post 113, Boston. 

Enlisted Men 

Adams, James C, 21, — ; — , Concord; July 16, '63; d. 

July 14, '64, City Point, Va. 
Alexander, Edmund K., 18, S.; Aug. 25, '62; cordwainer, 

Natick; dis. disa., Jan. 20, '63. 
Allen, William L., 24, M.; currier, Sturbridge; July 14, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; paroled and captured again Aiarch 31, '65; 

paroled April 3, '65; M. O. June 24, '65. 
Babb, Mark, 25, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

dis. disa., Dec. 16, '62; d. Dec. 25, 1910, Natick. 
Bacon, Jonathan, 43, M.; stone mason, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; d. Dec. 16, '63, Washington, D. C. 



438 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Balcom, Oscar, 19, S.; farmer, Wayland; Aug. 25, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; Cochituate. 
Bangs, William W., 22, S.; merchant, Worcester; July 13, 

'73; wd. June 18, '64, Petersburg; d. City Point, Va., 

no date given. 
Barnes, Charles H., b. Jan. 28, 1842; 20, S.; clerk. Boston; 

Aug. 25, '62; prom. Corp.; wd. May 8, '64, Alsop's 

Farm; M. O. June 2, '65; Dry goods; 1913, Melrose. 
Beal, Jesse N., 32, M.; shoemaker, Natick; July 16, '63; 

trans, for unexpired time to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Beals, William H., 22, S.; farmer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Feb. 19, Salisbury, N. C. 
Bigelow, Chester O., 18, S.; musician, Dover; Feb. 14, '62, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Feb. 

23, '65, ex. of s. 
Bispham, John D., 28, S.; trader, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 25, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Blenker, James J., 38, M.; clerk, Attleborough ; July 28, 

'63; d. May 14, '65, Washington, D. C. 
Boyden, Stephen A., 31, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; prom. Corp.; dis. July 7, '63, for commission in 

U. S. C. T. 
Braithwaik, Thomas, 27, S.; assistant surgeon, West 

Bridgewater; Aug. 3, '63; trans, to Thirty-second and 

M. O.; his name does not appear in the F, & S. 
Brigham, Alfred M. (Corp.), brother of Capt. ; Aug. 25, 

'62; prom. Sergt. ; dis. Aug. 14, '63, for commission 

U. S. C. T.; 2d Lieut. Fourth Colored Infty.; k. June 

15, '64, Petersburg. 
Brookings, Alphonso W., 21, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 30, '62; later Corp. in Co. I, 

Thirteenth V. R. C, whence he was dis. Nov. 17, 

'65; d. April 29, 1883, Natick. 
Brooks, William, 44, M.; morocco dresser, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; M. O. June 2, '65. 



Company I 439 

Brown, Edwin, 21, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug, 25, '62; 

prom. Sergt.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 25, '65; 

M. O. June 17, '65; d. Nov. 14, 1911, Nashua, N. H. 
Brummett, John M., 39, M.; farmer, Wayland; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa., Feb. 23, '63; d. March 2, 1900, Natick. 
Bullens, Charles A., 23, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; trans, to unassigned Co., 2d Batt. V. R. C; dis. 

July 11, '65. 
Bullens, Lowell S., 19, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa., Jan. 1, '63; later en. April 8, '64, U. S. 

Signal Corps; dis. Aug. 4, '64. 
Butterfield, Charles B., 18, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; Pris. Aug. 18, '64, to March 1, '65; M. O. 

July 20, '65 ; Cochituate. 
Butterfield, John C, 44, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa., Feb. 11, '64. 
Carhart, Henry, 18, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

prom. Corp. ; k. May 8, '64, Alsop's Farm. 
Carhart, Joseph B., 27, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; Corp. March 10, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Jan. 

1, 1871, Natick. 
Carr, Joseph C, 34, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

des. Sept. 5, '62. 
Caswell, Perley, 44, M.; carpenter, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; d. Nov. 15, 1877. 
Chamberlain, Daniel O., 29, M.; Aug. 25, '62; Pris. Aug. 

19, '64; d. a prisoner Feb. 27, '65, Richmond, Va. 
Chase, Seth C, 30, M.; mariner, Nantucket; July 13, '64; 

in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d. a prisoner 

April 3, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Choate, Edward H., 29, — ; hostler, Natick; dis. disa., 

Dec. 17, '62. 
Clough, William H. H., 21, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; wd. May 10, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. 

July 20, '65; 1913, Natick. 
Colbath, Charles E., 18, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'65; d. May 18, '65, Washington, D. C. 



440 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Colbath, George A., 41, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; trans. Sept. 12, '63, V. R. C; dis. disa., Dec. 18, 

'63, from Co. A, Sixth V. R. C; he was a brother of 

Vice-President Henry Wilson; Charles was son of 

G. A. C. 
Cole, Archibald M., 41, M.; tailor, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Jan. 14, '65, Salisbury. 
Collins, William, 22, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

prom. Corp. ; d. paroled prisoner April 6, '65. 
Conant, Sherman (Corp.), 22, S.; student, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; dis. Aug. 17, '63, for commission U. S. C. T. ; 

Captain Third Colored Infty. ; Major Sept. 13, '65; 

M. O. Oct. 31, '65; d. Nov. 21, 1890, Natick. 
Cook, Thomas, 26, M.; shoemaker, Beverly; July 10, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., 

May 26, '65. 
Cooper, Newell, 29, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

dis. disa., Jan. 2, '63; 1913, Natick. 
Cooper, Thomas, 20, — ; — , Taunton; Aug. 3, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Critcherson, Joseph (Corp.), 37, M.; cordwainer, Natick; 

Aug. 25, '62; trans. Nov. 15, '63, to Fifty-eighth Co., 

3d Batt., V. R. C. ; dis. disa., June 7, '65; d. June 11, 

1900, Natick. 
Curran, Edward, 21, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Currier, Charles P. (Sergt.), 26, S. ; cordwainder, Natick; 

Aug. 25, '62; dis. disa., March 10, '65; d. Dec. 19, 

1907, Natick. 
Currier, Joseph, 24, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

wd. May 5, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 3, '65; 

dis. disa., June 20, '65; d. Feb. 27, 1869, Natick. 
Dakin, Abel F. (Mus.), 29, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; d. Dec. 20, '63, Washington. 



Company I 441 

Davis, Charles A., 35, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; despatch-carrier for General Grant; dis. June 5, 

'65; d. July 12, 1897, Natick. 
Davis, Frank E. (Corp.), 21, S. ; clerk, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa., Dec. 1, '62. 
Drew, Charles F., 24, S. ; shoemaker, Stoneham; July 10, 

'61, in Thirteenth Infty. ; re-en. Jan. 4, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Dutton, Dana F., 29, M.; farmer, Sudbury; July 16, '61, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Echibach, Louis, 25, S.; bookkeeper, Beverly; July 29, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Eckenroth, Charles H., 21, M.; brakeman, Dedham; July 

28, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Endicott, Ingersoll B., 23, M.; clerk, Boston; July 23, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Esip, Francis, 21, S. ; blacksmith, Natick; Aug. 25, *62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; d. 1909, Soldiers' Home, Togus, Me. 
Evans, William, 23, S. ; laborer, Brighton; July 22, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Felch, Henry F., b. March 18, 1839; (Sergt.) 23, S.; clerk, 

Natick; Aug. 25, '62; was Color Sergt. till promotion; 

prom. 2d Lieut. Oct. 25, '63; vide Co. F. 
Felch, Ira H., 18, S.; shoemaker, Natick; March 7, '62; in 

Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. March 

7, '65, ex. of s.; d. May 8, 1910, Natick. 
Felch, William F., 35, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; prom. Corp.; wd. March 31, '65; M. O. May 18, 

'65; d. May 7, 1902, Plymouth. 
Finn, James W., 18, S.; farmer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

drowned Nov. 17, '62, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. 



442 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Fiske, John E., 21, S. ; hatter, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; dis. 
disa., Feb. 25, '63. 

Fogg, George L., 33, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
d. Nov. 23, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 

Foley, Michael, 26, M.; currier, Stoneham; July 14, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty. ; trans. Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Freeman, Charles F. (Mus.), 18, S.; cordwainer, Natick; 
Aug. 25, '62; June 2, '65. 

Garfield, William H., b. May 20, 1843; 19, S.; cordwainer, 
Natick; Aug. 25, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; grocery, dry 
goods; hotel and livery keeper; 1913, Harding; rec'd 
a skin wound, in the face, at the Wilderness; at Laurel 
Hill, he drew his own seven days' rations and those of 
Butterfield as well, carrying them till his comrade 
showed up; after the Weldon R. R. disaster, he was 
one of the seven men who answered "Here" on the 
20th of August; after the surrender, he traded his 
hat-cord with a rebel lieut. for a Dutch oven and two 
camp kettles, also securing from the reb. a confession 
that he was glad the war was over, though he wished 
the shoe were on the other foot; on the 25th return of 
the Weldon day his comrades and friends gave him a 
house warming in his new abode on the eastern slopes of 
Mt. Deliverance, Natick, his home, till 1893, when he 
moved to Medfield. 

Gourley, Samuel, 30, S.; baker, Boston; July 13, '63, in 
Twelfth Infty.; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 21, '65; 
M. O. June 5, '65. 

Green, John T. B., 18, S. ; teamster, Boston; July 31, '62, 
in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Griffin, Jonathan F., 39, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; dis. disa., Nov. 21, '63; d. Feb. 7, 1902, Natick. 

Hall, Benning, Jr. (1st Sergt.), 36, M.; expressman, Natick; 
Aug. 25, '62; dis. disa., Feb. 8, '64. 



Company I 443 

Hammond, Charles F., 28, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; trans, to Sixty-ninth Co., Second Batt., V. R. 

C, dis. June 29, '65. 
Hancock, Henry, b. April 22, 1839, England; 23, S.; black- 
smith, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; wd. May 5, '64, Wilder- 
ness; dis. disa., Feb. 6, '65; blacksmith; 1913, So. 

Natick. 
Hardy, Simeon, 27, M.; Aug. 25, '62; cordwainer, Natick; 

Pris. Aug. 18, '64, to March 1, '65; M. O. July 20, 65; 

d. 1885, Natick. 
Hayes, Daniel, 44. M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

dis. disa., Nov. 5, '62; d. Nov. 29, 1902, Natick. 
Hayward, Paul, 34, M.; farmer, Boston; July 11, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. May 3, 

'65. 
Hazelton, Warren, 30, — ; — , Concord; July 14, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty. ; k. Aug. 19, '64. 
Hoey, Michael, 26, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

wd. May 8, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. July 17, 1872, 

Natick. 
Hoey, Thomas, 36, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

wd. May 12, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '14; M. O. June 2, '65. 
Howe, Ansel L., 18, S. ; flagman, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; k. 

Aug. 18, '64, Weldon R. R. 
Jennings, John E., 31, M.; shoemaker, Natick; July 25, 

'64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Jennison, Charles W., 30, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62 ; M. O. June 2, '65 ; d. May 17, 1902, Natick. 
Jones, Nathan, 34, M.; farmer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; dis. 

disa., April 1, '63; d. June 11, 1884, Natick. 
Kemp, Nathan S., 20, — ; shoemaker, Watertown; Aug. 2, 

'64; d. May 19, '65, Watertown, Mass. 
King, Albert F., 22, S.; cordwainer, Boston; Aug. 25, '62; 

dis. disa., June 25, '63; d. Aug. 11, 1898, Seattle, Wash. 
LeBarron, David J., 25, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. June 7, 1904, Natick. 



444 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Lilley, Richard G., 33, S.; shoemaker, Natick; June 26, 
'61, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O.; d. April 13, 1898, Natick. 

Littlefield, George H., 35, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 
25, '62; k. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R. 

Lynch, John, 21, S. ; seaman, Raynham; July 26, '63; in 
Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to the Thirty-ninth, thence 
to the Thirty-second and M. O. 

McAulifife, Samuel, b. Jan. 7, 1841; 21, S.; machinist, 
Agawam; July 17, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth and thence to Thirty-second and M. O. ; 
is glad that his change from the Twelfth to the Thirty- 
ninth took him into such excellent company, enjoying 
his new comrades and officers, Capt. Reed and Lieut. 
Brown, very much; selling machinery in this country 
and abroad; Mercantile Inspector, Rochester, N. Y. ; 
fifteen years, chief mustering officer and Inspector; 
two years each, Dept. N. Y. G. A. R. and Inspector 
General for Commander-in-chief John C. Black; 1913, 
Gates, N. Y. 

McCaffrey, James, 37, M.; bookmaker. West Roxbury; 
Jan. 14, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

McLain, Charles W., 28, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; prom. Sergt. and 1st Sergt. ; M. O. June 2, '65; 
d. Nov. 21, 1910, Natick. 

Mann, Francis E., 20, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
d. Nov. 23, '62, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 

Marsh, William W., 30 M.; yeoman, Grafton; July 14, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; wd. Aug. 18, 
'64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Mead, Alfred, 30, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; d. July 8, 1911, Newton. 

Merrill, Franklin, 27, M.; expressman, Boston; July 13, 
'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 
to Thirty-second and M. O. 

Merrill, Stephen, 36, M.; teamster, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
d. from wds. March 3, '65. 



Company I 445 

Messenger, Charles W., 27, M.; farmer, Wrentham; July 

15, '63; in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; d, 

from wds. Sept. 20, '64. 
Mills, Josiah R., 45, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

wd. Feb. 7, '65;dis. disa., Sept. 5, '65 ;d. Mar. 18, 1887, 

Natick. 
IVIonahan, Michael, b. May 24, 1841; 21, S.; cordwainer, 

Natick; Aug. 25, '62; Pris. May 8, '64, recaptured by 

Sheridan on the 9th; wd. June 18, '64; M. O. June 2, 

'65; shoemaking and farming; 1913, So. Framingham. 
Morey, Raphael, 20, S.; farmer, Hopkinton; Aug. 2, '64; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 
]\Ioore, Charles H., 32, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; trans. May 12, '64, to Co. H, Eighteenth V. R. C; 

dis. as Corp. June 24, '65; d. Mar. 14, 1905, Natick. 
Morrill, Robert W., 34, S.; yeoman, Worcester; July 11, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O.; 1913, West Boylston. 
Morrison, Charles H,, 18, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; d. Nov. 21, '62, Offutt's Cross, Roads, Md. 
Morse, Curtis, 18, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

wd. May 24, '64; M. O. May 25, '65 ; d. 1909, Plymouth. 
Morse, Henry M., 21, M.; blacksmith, Medway; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa, Sept. 12, '63; d. 
Morse, Horace B. (Corp.), 42, M.; farmer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; dis. disa.. May 1, '63; d. Nov. 8, 1911, Win- 
stead, Conn. 
Moulton, George W., 33, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Feb. 8, 

1907, Natick. 
Moulton, Otis H., 31, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. April 21, 1883, Natick. 
Murphy, James 19, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65; d. Sept. 8, 1910, Cochituate. 
Newhall, Francis E., 37, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; d. Nov. 25, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 



446 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

O'Brien, Cornelius, 18, S. ; carpenter, Boston; Oct. 13, '63; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. Salisbury, N. C, after Feb. 22, 

'65, at which time he was in a dying condition. 
O'Brien, Dennis, 21, S.; shoemaker, Natick; Jan. 7, '64; 

wd. May 8, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Parlin, William D. (Sergt.), 23, S. ; trader, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. June 22, '63, for commission U. S. C. T. ; 

Captain First U. S. Colored Infty. ; dis. disa., March 

7, '65. 
Patten, Delavan M., 22, M.; blacksmith, Springfield; July 

16, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. ; 1913, Plain- 
field, N. J. 
Perkins, Thomas, 29, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; dis. disa., Dec. 21, '62. 
Pierson, James M., 21, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; wd. June 18, '64; dis. disa., Feb. 8, '65; 1913, 

Haverhill. 
Ragan, Michael, 38, S.; laborer, Boston; Oct. 1, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Reed, Nathan (Sergt.), 43, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 

25, '62; trans. Jan. 5, '64, to V. R. C; dis. disa., Jan. 

15, '65; d. April 3, 1901, Natick. 
Reynolds, George, 27, M.; bookkeeper, Boston; July 28, 

'63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Russell, Levi, 43, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

trans. April 10, '64, to V. R. C; dis. July 1, '65; May 

22, 1906, Natick. 
Sell, James T., 28, M.; teamster, Cambridge; June 26, '61, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; on account of unauthorized absence, 

he was compelled to make up time, hence his trans, to 

the Thirty-ninth, thence to the Thirty-second and 

M. O. 
Sloper, Charles W., 18, S.; hatter, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

M. O. June 2, '65. 



Company I 447 

Smith, Abial E., 30, M.; cordwainer, Sherborn; Aug. 25, 

'62; wd. May 12, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; dis. June 14, 

'65; d. Aug. 25, 1871, Natick. 
Spooner, Lyman A., 21, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; prom. Sergt. ; 2d Lieut. June 7, '62; M. O. as 

Sergt. June 2, '65; d. Dec. 28, 1894, Natick. 
Stearns, Nathan D., 31, — ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; d. a prisoner Feb. 3, '65, Sahsbury, N. C. 
Stedman, Charles H., 20, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; d. from wds. July 10, '64, WiUett's Point, N. Y. 
Stevens, Leonard S., 21, S.; farmer, Haverhill; Sept. 23, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Stewart, Samuel, vide Styner, below. 
Stewart, Sylvanus, 22, S. ; hatter, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

prom. Corp.; wd. Aug. 18, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 

May 16, 1906, Haverhill. 
Stone, Francis C, 24, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 

d. from wds. May 19, '64, Washington, D. C. 
Styner, Samuel, 24, M.; painter, Concord; July 24, '63, in 

Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O.; according to a letter from 

the W. D., Sept. 27, '90, the man's real name was 

Stewart. 
Sullivan, Thomas, 1st, 22, M.; boatman, Taunton; July 

24, '63, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Taylor, George G., 21, M.; shoemaker, Rutland; July 13, 

'63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; M. O. 

May 25, '65, though roll also states that he was trans. 

to Thirty-second. 
Travis, Fayette E., 20, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to March 1, '65; M. O. July 

20, '65; 1913, Natick. 
Travis, Isaac N. (Corp.); cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 

'62; trans. Sept. 12, '63, to V. R. C; dis. Nov. 17, '63; 

d. June 9, 1905, Natick. 



448 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Tyler, Stearns C, 27, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62 ; dis. O. W. D. May 30, '65 ; d. Jan. 5, 1894, Natick. 

Tyrell, George H., 19, S. ; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; d. Dec. 18, '62, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 

Wallace, J. William, 25, M.; printer, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
trans. March 31, '64, V. R. C; dis. Aug. 9, '65. 

Warren, Samuel P. S., 18, S.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; d. Dec. 18, '62, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 

Washburn, Romanzo M., 23, S.; clerk, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; dis. June 21, '64, O. W. D.; d. March 22, 1887, 
Natick. 

Webster, Isaac L., 15, S.; — , Martinsburg, Va. ; Feb. 11, 
'62, in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, as mus. to Thirty- 
ninth and dis. Feb. 10, '65, ex. of s. 

Wentworth, George W., 29, M.; hatter, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; prom. Sergt.; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Haverhill. 

West, John, 33, S. ; carpenter, Boston; July 24, '63, in 
Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Wheeler, Willis M., b. Aug. 11, 1841; 21, M.; mechanic, 
Northbridge; July 14, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to 
Thirty-ninth, thence to Thirty-second and M. O.; 
1913, Natick. 

Whitney, Constant F., b. Aug. 12, 1836; 26, M.; cord- 
wainer, Sherburn; Aug. 25, '62; dis. disa., March 6, 
'63; expressing, deacon Baptist Church nineteen years; 
1913, Norwood. 

Whitney, John, 40, M.; farmer, Watertown; Aug. 2, '64; 
M. O. June 2, '65; had been in Co. E, Sixth M. V. M., 
3 mos. term, 1861. 

Williams, Charles H., 28, M.; carpenter, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. March 19, '65, Wilming- 
ton, N. C. 

Woodward, Caleb, 40, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 25, 
'62; dis. disa., Jan. 30, '63. 

Woodward, Heman C, 23, M.; cordwainer, Natick; Aug. 
25, '62; dis. disa., April 1, '63; d. May 2, 1883. 



Company K 449 

Wright, Lewis, 25, M.; expressman, Natick; Aug. 25, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; expressing; 1913, Natick. 



COMPANY K 
Woburn 
Captains 

John I. Richardson, b. July 12, 1818, Woburn; 44, M.; 
mason, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., March 29, 
'64; d. Oct. 1, 1864, Woburn. 

Willard C. Kinsley, from Co. H, Mar. 30, '64; d. April 2, 
1865, from wds. rec'd Mar. 31, '65. 

Luke R. Tidd, April 3, '65; not mustered; M. O. as 1st 
Lieut. June 2, 1865; d. Aug. 15, 1893, Woburn; his 
body was borne to its burial by his fellow soldiers; 
had been a shoe manufacturer many years ; his sword, 
captured Aug. 19, '64, was returned to him by Sergt. 
Whitaker of the Tenth Georgia in 1884 and was re- 
ceived with great rejoicing by Co. K. 

First Lieutenants 

Luke R. Tidd, b. May 5, 1822, Woburn; 39, S.; shoe manu- 
facturer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; pris. Aug. 19, '64; 
paroled Feb. 19, '65; Captain, April 3, '65. 

Second Lieutenants 

Luther F. Wyman, b. Oct. 7, 1833, Woburn; 28, M.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; 1st Lieut. March 20, 
'64; vide Co. H. 

Henry A. Seaverns, from Co. H, Mar. 30, '64; wd. Aug. 18, 
'64; 1st Lieut.; not mustered; dis. disa,, Jan. 7, '64; 
d. Sept. 26, 1894, No. Scituate. 

Alpheus Thomas, from Co. G, Sept. 15, '64; wd. Mar. 31, 
'65; M. O. May 16, 1865; dead. 



450 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Enlisted Men 

Avery, Michael, b. 1832, Halifax, N. S.; 30, M.; shoemaker, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; k. May 10, '64, Spottsylvania. 

Bacon, Jonas, 19, S.; japaner, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. 
Aug. 19, '64; d. Dec. 30, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Baldwin, Michael B., b. Feb. 2, 1834, Bridgeport, Conn.; 
28, M.; harness maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. 
May 10, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; dis. disa.. May 20, 
'65; d. July, 1911, Stoneham. 

Bancroft, Albert, b. May 18, 1844, Woburn; 19, S.; farmer, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Sept, 6, 
1906. 

Barrett, Albert P., b. July 14, 1844, Woburn; 18, S.; 
painter, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; 
detailed for clerical duty, Div. H'quarters from July 
27, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. April, 1909; his recollec- 
tions enter largely into the earlier portions of this 
history. 

Barrett, William T., b. June 36, 1838, Boston; 24, M.; 
clerk, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; d. Jan. 29, '65, Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

Boutwell, Asa, b. July 12, 1836, Woburn; 26, M.; butcher, 
Woburn; dis. disa., May 5, '65. 

Bradley, Thomas H., b. 1844, Boston; 18, S. ; japaner, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. Mar. 31, '65, Gravelly Run; 
M. O. June 2, '65; d. Nov. 14, 1873, Woburn. 

Brannagan, John, b. Dec. 9, 1842, Ireland; 21, S. ; black- 
smith, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 15, '64; d. 
Jan. 20, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 

Brown, Alvin G., b. Aug. 14, '42, Reading; 20, S.; printer, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. May 18, '65; 1913, 
Maiden. 

Brown, William P. (Sergt.), 21, S. clerk, Woburn; Aug. 22, 
'62; detailed as Division Ordnance Sergt.; M. O. June 
2, '65 ; had served in Co. I, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 
1861; b. Durham, Nova Scotia; Aug. 20, 1840; grocer 



Company K 451 

before and after the war; 1872-1890, manufacturing; 

clerk, State Board of Health from 1890 to death; Sec. 

of Thirty-ninth Regimental Ass'n and a member of the 

Com. on Regimental history; d. Sept. 10, 1912, 

Winthrop. 
Bryant, Francis M., b. May 8, 1847, Woburn; 18, S.; 

laborer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; d. a prisoner, Jan. 29, 

'65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Bush, Charles, b. July 15, 1838, Canada; 25, S,; teamster, 

Woburn; Feb. 27, '64; Pris. May 8, '64; recaptured 

next day by Sheridan; wd. April 1, '65; trans, to 

Thirty-second and M. O. ; d. Canada. 
Butler, Moses, b. Mar. 19, 1824, Kentsville, N. S.; 31, M.; 

currier, Woburn; Feb. 25, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; d. 

Jan. 17, '65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Cady, David, b. May 17, 1837, Bedford, N. H.; 25, S.; 

farmer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., June 18, '63; 

d. N. H. 
Carpenter, Alonzo D., b. Feb. 17, 1839, St. Albans, Vt.; 

32, M. ; currier, Woburn ; Aug. 22, '62 ; wd. April 4, '65, 

Petersburg; dis. disa., June 28, '65; 1913, Woburn. 
Chase, John, b. 1840, Camplin, N. H.; 22, S.; shoemaker, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '64, V. R. C; 

dis. from Co. I, Second V. R. C, July 3, 1865; "Out 

West." 
Choate, William M., b. July 10, 1844, Lynn; (Mus.) 19, S.; 

photographer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Feb. 

12, '63. 
Colby, Freeman E., b. Jan. 3, 1840, Henniker, N. H.; 

21, S. ; farmer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; detailed with 

Q. M. Dep't after the No. Anna; M. O. June 2, '65; 

farming and lumbering; Selectman, 8 years; School 

Com., 3 years; Rep. Legislature, 2 years; Justice of 

the Peace, 35 years; 1913, Henniker, N. H. 
Colby, Newton G., b. 1843, Henniker, N. H. ; 19, S. ; farmer, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Dec. 29, '62; d. 1894, 

Henniker. 



452 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Colgate, Charles H., b. July 31, 1844, Roxbury; 19, S.; 
currier, Woburn; Dec. 15, '63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to 
Oct. 9, '64; trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and M. O. 
June 29, '65; leather business and maker of extracts; 
14 years, agent of Prison Commission; Past Comman- 
der G. A. R. Post; Sec. of Massachusetts Ass'n Ex- 
prisoners of War; Deacon in Congregational Church, 
and Sec. of Thirty-ninth Regimental Ass'n at time 
of death ;d. Feb. 8, 1913. 

Conn, Charles K., b. Jan. 9, 1842, Charlestown; 20, S.; 
bookkeeper, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp. March 1, 
'63; Pris. May 8, '64; Sergt. Major, April 28, '64; 
vid. F. & S. 

Connoly, Hugh, b. 1841, Ireland; 21, S. ; currier, Woburn; 
Aug. 22, '62; d. Nov. 25, '62, Offutt's Cross Roads, Md. 

Cronan, Jeremiah, b. 1826, Ireland; 36, M.; shoemaker, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; des. Sept. 2, '62. 

Curry, Robert, b. 1823, Ireland; 39, M.; shoemaker, Wo- 
burn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. May 8, '64, recaptured next 
day; Pris. Aug. 19. '64; d. Oct. 20, '64, Salisbury, N. C. 

Dean, George W., b. Oct. 11, 1842, Wilmington; 22, S.; 
shoemaker, Woburn; Dec. 28, '63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 
trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and M. O. ; had served 
in Sixth Battery, Light Arty.; d. April, 1902. 

Dean, Joseph G., b. Jan. 28, 1821, Woburn; 41, M.; butcher, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 
2, '65; d. Hudson. 

Dean, Joshua H., b. Feb. 11, 1843, Woburn; 18, S. ; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 14, '64; re- 
captured same day; wd. Feb. 6, '65; N. F. R. ; 1913, 
Syracuse, N. Y. 

Dennett, Geo. H., b. Dec. 22, 1845, Woburn; 18, S.; clerk, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '64 to V. R. C; 
at his own request trans, back Aug. 10, '64; wd. Mar. 
31, '65; Sergt. Major, Feb. 1, '65; vide F. & S. 

Dennett, Robert M., b. Oct. 5, 1840, Chatham, N. B.; 
23, S. ; — , Woburn; Dec. 21, '63; one of those de- 



Company K 453 

tailed to bear old colors to Boston and receive new 
ones; as Corp. d. April 12, '65, Washington, from wds. 
received Mar. 31, '65; had served in Co. F, Twenty- 
second Massachusetts Volunteers. 

Doherty, Philip, b. Jan. 1, 1845, Ireland; 18, S.; currier, 
Woburn; wd. and Pris, Aug. 18, '64; paroled Aug. 25, 
'64; M. O. May 15, '65; d. California. 

Doherty, Peter, b. 1842, Ireland; 21, S.; japaner, Woburn; 
Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; d. May 19, '64, Wash- 
ington. 

Doorley, James, b. July 21, 1823, Ireland; 33, S.; teamster, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 8, '64; dis. May 8, '65; 
d. Woburn. 

Downing, Jonathan P., b. April 20, 1835, Plymouth, N. H.; 
27, M.; butcher, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, 
'64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Oct. 16, 1894, Woburn. 

Drown, Samuel H., b. Woburn; (Corp.) 28, M.; japaner, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., April 27, '63; d. Mar. 
3, 1871, Woburn. 

Duffy, Patrick, 22, S.; shoemaker, Stoneham; en. July 28, 
'62, and des. same day. 

Earle, Anthony, 22, S.; clerk, Worcester; July 22, '63, in 
Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Jan. 5, '65, 
for commission as 2d Lieut. Sixty-first Infty., also 
1st Lieut.; M. O. July 16, '65. 

Eaton, Cyrus A., b. Dec. 13, 1824, Woburn; 3S, M.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; d. 
from wds. May 29, '64. 

Eaton, Parker, b. April 28, 1826, Woburn; (Corp.), 35, W.; 
currier, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 
Jan. 24, 1912, Woburn. 

Edgecomb, Noah, b. 1818, Saco, Me.; 43, M.; carpenter, 
Woburn ; Aug. 22, '62 ; trans. Sept. 13, '63, to V. R. C. ; 
d. Feb. 27, 1882, Woburn. 

Fairbanks, Amos H., 22, M.; clerk, Roxbury; July 16, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; trans. April 
24, '65, to V. R. C. ; M. O. Aug. 11, '65. 



454 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Finn, Michael, b. Jan. 7, 1846, Boston; 18, S. ; baker, 
Woburn; Dec. 6, '63; Pris. May 8, '64; d. Oct. 3, '64, 
Danville, Va. 

Flint, Thomas W., b. Nov. 28, 1844, Woburn; currier, Wo- 
burn ; Aug. 22, '62 ; M. O. June 2, '65 ; 1913, New Haven, 
Conn. 

Flynn, John, 30, M.; laborer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; des. 
Sept. 7, '62. 

Foster, Irving, b. Sept. 3, 1841, Woburn; 20, S.; currier, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; k. June 18, '64; Petersburg; 
his comrades called him "Old Honesty." 

Fowle, George E., b. July 4, 1837, Reading; 25, S.; carpenter, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; prom. Sergt. ; pris. and escaped, 
Aug. 14, '64, Weldon R. R.; prom. 2d Lieut., Jan. 15, 
'65; wd. Feb. 7, '65, Hatcher's Run; dis. May 18, '65; 
carpenter and builder; Rep. in General Court, 1894 and 
'95; 1913, Woburn. 

Garfield, Joseph W., b. Mar. 1, 1837, Waltham; (Mus.) 
23, S.; shoemaker, Lynn; detailed as Brigade Bugler, 
Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Oct. 1911, Lynn. 

Garrigan, John, 29, b. 1833, Ireland; 29, M.; currier, Wo- 
burn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Oct. 26, '62; re-en. Tenth 
N. H.; d. Woburn. 

Gilcreast, John, b. July 31, 1833, Andover; (Sergt.) ; 29, M. ; 
painter, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; 1st Sergt. May 6, '63; 
wd. May 10, '64; dis. on account of wds., Feb. 28, '65; 
d. Nov. 4, 1911, Woburn. 

Gilligan, James R., 38, — ; boot crimper, Weymouth; Dec. 
10, '63, in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 
disa., Dec. 10, '64. 

Gleason, Albert, b. June 1, 1845, WobUrn; 18, — ; — , 
Rappahannock Station, Va.; Sept. 15, '63; in Thirteenth 
Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth in name; he had been 
wd. June 18, '64, while in the Thirteenth and his left 
arm was amputated; dis. May 16, '65; d. 1900, Wo- 
burn. 



Company K 455 

Harris, Otis S., b. April 12, 1844, Woburn; 18, S.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; M. O. 
June 2, '65; d. Jan. 16, 1896, Stoneham. 

Hemmenway, Elbert O., 29, S.; harness maker, Pittsfield; 
July 14, '63; in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; 
wd. May 4, '64; Pris. Dec. 11, '64; d. Jan. 1, '65, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Hooper, Samuel T., b. 1838, Athens, Ohio; (Corp.), 24, M.; 
currier, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '62; 
escaped about April 12, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Aug. 
20, 1876, Woburn. 

Hoskins, Edward, b. Nov. 4, 1846; 18, S. ; laborer, Woburn; 
Jan. 1, '64; wd. May 10, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans, 
to Thirty-second and M. O.; stationary engineer; 
1913, Woburn. 

Hoskins, William H., b. 1841, St. Johns, N. B.; 21, S.; 
cabinet maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, 
'64; d. May 30, '64. 

Houghton, Edward J., b. 1843 Mobile, Ala., 19, S; mariner, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; trans, to U. S. Navy, April 
19, '64; Houghton, from the Chicopee, w^as one of 
the party of 15 men who destroyed the Rebel Ram, 
Albemarle, Oct. 24, '64, at Plymouth, N. C. Two 
were drowned, eleven captured and Lieut. Cushing 
and Houghton escaped, though in different directions; 
Congress voted medals of honor to all participating; 
July 16, '65, the day before he was to receive his well 
earned reward, he was killed at the Gosport, Va., 
Navy Yard, while trying to befriend a comrade in an 
altercation. The medal so highly prized is in the 
possession of relatives in East Boston. 

Howard, Henry, b. July 17, 1826, St. Johns, N. B.; 36, M.; 
shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., July 6, 
'63; later, Co. B, Fifty-ninth Infty.; d. Sept. 3, '64, 
Long Island, N. Y. 



456 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Hutchins, Samuel M., 21, S. ; farmer, Carlisle; July 11, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty. ; tr&,ns. to Thirty-ninth, thence, 

March 15, '65, to V. R. C; dis. disa., Feb. 15, '65. 
Ingerson, Nathaniel, b. 1821, Andover; 41, M.; shoemaker, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Nov. 13, '62; d. July 

1899, Reading. 
Jones, William H., 31, M.; shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, 

'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Oct. 1, 

1876, Woburn. 
Johnson, Charles H., b. Sept. 19, 1843; 18, S. ; clerk, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp. May 9, '63; M. O. June 

2, '65; currier till 1891, then appointed messenger of 

State Senate by Capt. J. G. B. Adams, and still (1913) 

holds the place; residence, Woburn. 
Kingsbury, Charles H., b. Sept. 14, 1829, Billerica; 33, M.; 

pedler, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. 

O. June 2, '65. 
Lapurve, Alfred, 23, S. ; seaman, Taunton; July 27, '63; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; escaped April 25, '65; trans, to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Le Barron, William H., b. Oct. 4, 1845, Lexington; 19, S.; 

ironfounder, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, 

'65; d. May 16, 1901, Woburn. 
Leslie, Albert S., b. March 3, 1837, Exeter, N. H.; (Sergt.) 

24, M.; shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; 1st Sergt. 

Feb. 3, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; 1913, Los Angeles, Cal. 
Leslie, James Fred, b. Dec. 15, 1841; 21, S. ; clerk, Woburn; 

wd. slightly May 8 and 10, '64; severely injured June 

18, '64; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; paroled Oct. 9, '64; M. O. 

June 2, '65; watchmaker and cabinet-maker in U. S. 

Navy Yard, Charlestown; Lieut, in State Militia; 

assessor, almoner. Board of Overseers of the Poor; 

1913, Woburn. 
Libby, James C, b. 1826, Ossipee, N. H.; 36, M.; driver, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. June 19, '64, Petersburg; 

trans, to V. R. C; dis. June 26, '65; d. Lawrence. 



Company K 457 

Linscott, Andrew R., b. March 6, 1844; 18, S.; clerk, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp. Nov. 30, '63; M. O. June 
2, '65; teacher, alderman, rep. in General Court; 1913, 
Woburn. 

Linscott, Charles F., b. Jan. 17, 1842, Woburn; (Corp.) 
20, S.; clerk, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62;dis. May 30, '64. 
for promotion One Hundred and Twenty-eighth U. S. 
C. T.;d. 1912, Illinois. 

Linscott, George W., b. May 9, 1843, Woburn; 19, S.; 
clerk, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 
Boston. 

Linscott, Josiah P., b. April 25, 1845, Woburn; 18, S.; 
mariner, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; trans. Feb. 15, '64, 
to V. R. C; dis. July 9, '65; d. Fortune Island, Nov. 
24, 1876. 

Lombard, Richard, b. July 24, 1828, Ireland; 33, M.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 
paroled March 20, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; d. Boston. 

McCarthy, John, b. Aug. 22, 1827, Ireland; 35, M.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64, and 
Feb. 7, '65; M. O. June 2, '65; d. 1901, Togus, Me. 

McCarthy, Thomas, b. Oct. 1, 1839, Boston; 24, M.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Dec. 26, '63; wd. May 24, '64, No. 
Anna; trans, to Thirty-second, thence to V. R. C. and 
dis. June 25, '65. 

McDevitt, William, b. Feb. 21, 1843, Woburn; (Sergt.) 
19, S.; currier, Woburn; wd. May 8, '64; 2d Lieut. 
Sept. 15, '64, for "gallant and soldierly qualities"; 
vide Co. C. 

McFeeley, Samuel, b. May 25, 1842; 20, S. ; carpenter, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp. Feb. 16, '64; Sergt. 
March 13, '65, for having saved the colors at the 
Weldon R. R. Aug. 19, '64; he was detailed to carry the 
old regimental colors to the State House, Boston, and 
to receive the new ones; M. O. June 2, '65; d. July, 
1911, Illinois. 



458 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

McGoff, James, b. Dec. 24, 1838, Ireland; 25, M.; currier, 

Woburn; Dec. 28, '63; wd. May 10, '64; trans, to 

Thirty-second and M. O.; d. 1900, Woburn. 
McGuire, John, 21, — ; shoemaker, Conway; Aug. 4, '63, 

in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth; Pris. 

from Aug. 14, '64, to April 10, '65; trans, to Thirty- 
second and M. O. 
McKenna, WiUiam, b. 1819, Ireland; 23, M.; shoemaker, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; des. May 25, '63. 
Mahony, Timothy, b; Feb. 22, Cork, Ireland; (Corp.) 

41, M.; shoemaker, Woburn; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M. 

O. June 2, '65; d. 1902, Woburn. 
Marran, Thomas, b. 1840, Ireland; (Wagoner) 24, M. ; 

shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 

d. Oct. 24, '64, Annapolis, Md.; also given Mason. 
Mason, Thomas, vide Marran. 
Mead, John A., b. July 4, 1842, Portland, Me.; 19, S.; 

student, Acton; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Oct. 10, '63, to 

March 18, '64, Raccoon Ford; M. O. June 2, '64; d. 

Jan., 1891, Pearlington, Miss. 
Moore, Rufus C, 25, M.; shoemaker, Natick; Feb. 22, 

'62, in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. 

Feb. 22, '65, ex. of s. 
Morrill, David W., 20, S. ; farmer, Worcester; July 25, '63, 

in Twelfth Infty.; trans, to the Thirty-ninth; Pris. 

Aug. 19, '64; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O. 
Murray, Hugh, 44, S.; farmer, Wilmington; Aug. 22, '62; 

trans. March 16, '64, to V. R. C; dis. July 5, '64; d. 

Wilmington. 
Murray, Sylvester, b. 1841, Ireland; 21, S.; shoemaker, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 8, '64; dis. disa., April 

1, '65, from V. R. C; d. Woburn. 
Norris, Wilbur F., 28, M.; shoemaker, Natick; July 16, '61, 

in Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence 

to V. R. C. April 13, '65. 



Company K 459 

O'Brien, William, b. June 14, 1832, Ireland; 29, M.; mar- 
iner, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; dis. 
June 2, '65; d. March 14, '66, Woburn. 

O'Connor, Cornelius, b. July 18, 1845, Ireland; 18, S.; 
currier, Woburn; Dec. 29, '63; wd. May 14, '64; trans, 
to V. R. C; M. O. Aug 12, '65. 

O'Donald, Edward, b. Aug., 15 1827, Ireland; 35, M.; 
laborer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, to 
March 20, '65; dis. June 2, '65; d. Woburn. 

O'Donald, Owen, 33, M.; teamster, Boston; Aug. 22, '62; 
des. Sept. 6, '62. 

O'Riley, John, b. Ireland; 35, M.; laborer, Woburn; Aug. 
2, '62; trans. Jan. 9, '64, to V. R. C; Feb. 19, '64, 
returned to Co. K; Pris. May 8, '64; recaptured next 
day; wd. June 17, '64, Petersburg; wd. April 1, 65, 
Five Forks; M. O. June 27, '65; d. Dec. 4, 1904. 

Parker, T. Marvin, b. Feb. 25, 1838, Lebanon, Me.; (Corp.) 
24, W. ; clerk, Woburn ; Aug. 22, '62 ; trans, to V. R. C. ; 
dis. July 14, '65; salesman and bookkeeper; 1913, 
Woburn. 

Parker, Theodore M., b. Nov. 6, 1841, Woburn; 20, S.; 
mason, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. Aug. 18, '64; M. O. 
June 2, '65; 1913, Woburn. 

Parks, Charles T., b. 1825, Cambridge; 37, M.; currier, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa.. May 2, '64; d. June 
24, '70, Woburn. 

Parks, Peter, Jr., b. 1829, Marblehead; 33, M.; Aug. 22, 
'62; Pris. Aug. 19, '62; d. Jan. 28, '65; Salisbury, N. C. 

Persons, Herbert J., b. June 29, 1845, Woburn; 18, S.; 
clerk, Woburn; Dec. 23, '63; orderly to General Henry 
Baxter; trans, to Thirty-second and M. O.; also given 
"Pearsons"; d. Woburn. 

Persons, Oscar, b. Sept. 8, 1838, Woburn; (1st Sergt.) 24, 
S. ; silversmith, Woburn; 2d Lieut. Feb. 4, '63; vide 
Co. D; had been in Co. I, Fifth M. V. M., 3 mos. term, 
1861. 



460 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Phillips, Charles A., 25, M.; shoemaker. Auburn; July 25, 

'63, in Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, 

thence, Aug. 6, '64, to V. R. C. 
Pollard, George F., b. 1841, Charlestown; 21, S. ; clerk, 

Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp.; missing after May 8, 

'64, Laurel Hill; his friends say "killed." 
Poole, Rufus F., b. Feb. 23, 1839, Woburn; 23, S.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; M.O.June 2, '65; 1913, 

Woburn. 
Ramsdell, Julius F., b. Oct. 29, 1845, Lynn; 18, S. ; currier, 

Woburn; Dec. 13, '63; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; trans. 

Thirty-second Infty. and M. 0.;d. Oct. 1909, Woburn. 
Reddy, George H., b. Nov. 5, 1845; Boston; 18, S.; stiffen- 

ing-cutter, Woburn; Dec. 26, '63; wd. May 10, '64; 

trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and M. O. 
Reed, Moses D., b. Jan. 22, 1834, Burlington; 28, M.; 

shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Pris. Aug. 19, '64; 

d. March 8, '65, Annapolis, Md. 
Reger, Henry B., 26, S. ; seaman, Boston; Oct. 22, '63, in 

Twelfth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 

Thirty-second and M. O. 
Richardson, Albert H., b. Aug. 17, 1843, Woburn; 18, S.; 

diemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64; M.O.June 2, '65; d. May 12, 1909, 

Woburn. 
Richardson, Alonzo L., b. Aug. 30, 1846; 18, S. ; butcher, 

Woburn; Dec. 29, '63; trans, to Thirty-second Infty. 

and M. O.; d. Nov. 23, 1909, Woburn. 
Richardson, Samuel, Jr., b. May 23, 1833, Woburn; 29, 

M.; carpenter, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; prom. Corp.; 

detailed July 25, '63, for duty at Draft Rendezvous, 

Gallup's Island, Boston Harbor, till Aug. 13, '64; 

Pris. Aug. 19, '64, Weldon R. R.; d. March 23, '65, 

Parole Camp, Annapolis, Md. 
Rogers, Charles, 24, M.; Oct. 22, '63, in Twelfth Infty.; 

wd. May 6, '64; trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and 

M. O. 



Company K 461 

Roland, Miles, b. 1840, Ireland; 22, S. ; coachman, Woburn; 
Aug. 22, '62; wd. June 17, Petersburg; d. a prisoner 
Dec. 15, '64, Salisbury, N. C; borne in State House as 
Rowland. 

Sanborn, Orin, b. April 6, 1836, Exeter, N. H.; 26, M.; 
gaspipe-maker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; Corp.; May 1, 
'64; M. O. June 2, '65; d. May, 17, 1880, Woburn. 

Sawyer, Augustus T., b. 1826, Brooks, Me.; 36, M.; 
printer, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; k. May 10, '64, Laurel 
Hill. 

Scott, Charles, b. 1833, Barnet, Vt. ; 29, M.; carpenter, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; d. a prisoner Oct. 16, '64, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Searles, Loring, b. March 19, 1827, New Ipswich, N. H.; 
36, M.; (Corp.) shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; 
M. O. June 2, '65; d. May 14, 1902, Woburn. 

Shaw, William L., 36, M.; mechanic, Lowell; July 15, '63, 
in Twelfth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Sheehan, John H., b. Oct. 22, 1845, Boston; 18, S. ; team- 
ster, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 10, '64; wd. and 
Pris. Aug. 19, '64; paroled March 20, '65; dis. May 25, 
1865; for 45 years brakeman and conductor on Erie 
R. R. ; in 1909, chief burgess, Borough of Matamoras, 
Penn.; 1913, Matamoras, Penn. Of late the name 
appears as Sheen. 

Sheehan, Timothy, b. 1818, Ireland; 44. M.; carpenter, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; d. March 10, '64. 

Sheen, J. H., vide Sheehan. 

Silver, Manual, 32, S.; seaman, Yarmouth; Jan. 28, '63, in 
Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. disa., 
Sept. 12, '64. 

Smith, Frederick M., b. Sept. 19, 1839; 23, S.; trader, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; dis. disa., Feb. 16, '65; first 
fifteen years photography, later mercantile life; 1913, 
Portland, Me. 



462 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Spokesfield, Ferdinand, b. April 16, 1844; 18, S.; farmer, 
Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. and pris. Aug. 18, '64; 
M. O. June 20, '65; expressman, Boston, till 1899; 
City Hall watchman, Worcester, to date; 1913, 
Worcester. 

Spontroz, Augustus, 25, S.; tailor, Boston; July 24, '63, in 
Thirteenth Infty. ; trans, to Thirty-ninth, thence to 
Thirty-second and M. O. 

Sprague, George A., b. Dec. 5, 1846; 18, S. ; shoecutter, 
Woburn; Dec. 23, '63; d. Oct. 26, '64, a prisoner, 
Salisbury, N. C. 

Staggles, William E., b. Oct. 24, 1844, Johnson, Vt.; 19, 
S. ; barber, Woburn ; Aug. 22, '62 ; dis. disa.. May 5, '63. 

Staples, Howard A., 21, — ; — , Boston; Feb. 24, '62, in 
Thirteenth Infty.; trans, to Thirty-ninth; dis. Feb. 
23, '65. 

Stowers, William C, b. March 26, 1845, Woburn; 18, S.; 
printer, Woburn; Feb. 25, '64; trans, to Thirty-second 
Infty. and M. O.; d. Nov. 13, 1866, Woburn. 

Tabor, Newell Z., b. May 22, 1833, Barton, Vt.; 30, M.; 
japaner, Woburn; Jan. 5, '64; wd. May 10, '64; trans, 
to Thirty-second and M. O.; had been in Co. G, Fifth 
M. V. M., 9 mos.' term, 1862-'63; d. Dec. 23, 1900, 
Woburn. 

Thompson, Abijah 2d, b. May 22, 1823; (Corp.) 39, M.; 
trader, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; was captured at the 
Weldon R. R. and compelled to throw down his gun; 
luckily for him, he and his captors were taken in by 
the boys in blue ; when selecting a gun from the many 
scattered about, he was the first to welcome back his 
comrade, George Fowle; Sergt. Feb. 3, '65; M. O. June 
2, '65; dry goods and clothing clerk in Boston; 1913, 
Woburn, by far the oldest survivor of the Regiment. 

Waite, Silas, b. 1846, Anson, Me.; 26, S. ; farmer, Woburn; 
Aug. 22, '62; k. May 8, '64. 



Company K 463 

Walker, Lewis M., b. Sept. 30, 1844, Beverly; 19, S.; shoe- 
maker, Woburn; Jan. 5, '64; wd. June 18, '64, Peters- 
burg; d. June 30, '64, Alexandria, Va. 

Warren, Benjamin F., b. Jan. 18, 1839, Woburn; 23, M.; 
carpenter, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; d. Dec. 26, '63; 
Culpepper, Va. 

Warren, William P., b. July 22, 1836, Woburn; 26, M.; 
shoemaker, Woburn; Aug. 22, '62; wd. May 5, '64, 
Wilderness; Pris. Aug. 19, '64, recaptured next day; 
Corp. Feb. 3, '65; M. O. June 2, 65; never missed a 
whole day with Regiment; 1913, Woburn. 

West, Francis, 22. M.; farmer, Westford; Jan. 21, '64; d. 
July 25, '64, City Point, Va. 

Willson, Orville A., b. June 15, 1838, Bennington, Vt.; 24, 
M.; shoemaker, Woburn; Aug, 22, '62;dis. disa., Oct. 
23, '63. 

Wilson, James, 35, M.; hostler, Charlestown; Aug. 22, '62; 
dis. disa., March 4, '63 ;d. Dec. 20, 1890, Togus, Me. 

Wolfe, Adam, 23, S.; cigar-maker, Attleborough ; July 24, 
'63; trans, to Thirty-second Infty. and M. O. 



Unassigned Recruits 

Bate, Wallace H., 23, M.; plumber, Melrose; July 16, '63; 
drafted man, trans. Sept. 27, '64, 102d Co., 2d Batt. 
V. R. C; dis. July 14, '65. 

Blanchard, Wm. F., 23, S.; seaman, Boston; trans, from 
Thirteenth Mass. Infty. July 16, '64, in which he 
had en. Jan. 4, '64; dis. Aug. 16, '64, for promotion, 
2d Lieut. Co. F, Twenty-seventh U. S. C. T. ; 1st 
Lieut. Co. A of the 27th, April 6, '65 ; dis. Sept. 21, '65. 

Buhl, Peter, 22, S.; sailor, Boston; July 20, '63; N. F. R. 

Cooley, James, 35, — ; cordwainer, Natick; en. Jan. 4, '64; 
rejected recruit, Jan. 17, '64. 

Cooley, Michael, 27, — ; cordwainer, Natick; Jan. 7, '64; 
des. Feb. 7, '64. 



464 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 

Fitzgerald, James, 34, — ; tailor, Charlestown; Dec. 2, '63; 

dis. disa, Dec. 20, '63. 
Griffins, George W., 25, — ; laborer, Barnstable; Jan. 29, 

'64; rejected recruit, Jan. 31, '64. 
Hersey, Harrison D., 18, — ; clerk, Chelsea; Feb. 18, '63; 

in Twelfth Infty. ; captured May 5,' 64, and held till 

April 28, '65; in the interval he was trans, to the 

Thirty-ninth; never joined; M. O. Aug. 2, '65. 
Hyatt, James, 29, — ; barber, Medford; Feb. 6, '64; des. 

April 2, '64. 
Jeffers, George W., 25, M.; shoemaker, Haverhill; July 15, 

'63; trans, from the Twelfth Mass. Infty.; N. F. R. 
Jordan, Frank, H., 18, — ; blacksmith, Boston; rejected 

recruit, Jan. 31, '64. 
Kelly, Thomas, 21, — ; hostler, No. Bridgewater; Aug. 14, 

'63; trans, from 12th Infty.; N. F. R. 
Kling, Caspar, 32, M.; cigar-maker, Weymouth; Aug. 4, 

'63; trans, from the 13th Infty.; N. F. R. 
Murray, George, 18, — ; glass-polisher, Woburn; Jan. 5, 

'64; rejected recruit. 
Oakley, Frank, 32, S. ; machinist, Truro ; July 28, '63 ; trans. 

from 13th Infty.; N. F. R. 
Sawyer, George, 22, S.; farmer, Medford; Feb. 17, '62; 

trans, from 13th Infty. ; N. F. R. 
Tevlin, Michael, 22, — ; glass-cutter, Somerville; Nov. 28, 

'63; rejected recruit, Dec. 17, '63. 
Wall, Richard, 29, — ; ship carpenter, Medford; Jan. 14, 

'64; rejected recruit, Jan. 7, '64. 
Williams, John, 1st, 33, S.; carpenter, Groton; July 27, '63; 

N. F. R. 
Zindel, Adolph, 45, S. ; jeweller, Hanson; Aug. 3, '63; trans. 

from Twelfth Infty.; N. F. R. 



As a fitting postlude to this list of more than fourteen 
hundred names, borne by as many soldiers, brave and 
true, four-fifths of whom have passed within the veil, and 
whose final resting-places are annually remembered by 



Company K 465 

their surviving comrades with loving tributes of beautiful 
flowers ; after these more than fifty years is it not eminently 
fitting to enter here words of the gallant leader of the 
Regiment, its beloved Colonel, spoken by him on Memorial 
Day— 

The Day of Roses and wreaths, of Laurel and 
leaves of love and honor and happy memories, 
not of sorroiv or sadness or regrets. No colors 
half-mast for them. Glory throws the banner to 
the breeze. All hail, dear Comrades'. You left 
us with a smile; we will join you with the same 
expression, and meanwhile will keep a festival 
for you and call it Memorial Day. You won in 
the last charge. Duty triumphed. You were 
given that firm faith that knows no fear. Living 
or dying, you cared not which, you offered your 
all for the Cause. The Cause was the succor of 
your country. You saved it. We will protect it, 
and with the blessing of God upon us both, we will 
hand it down as a home for the world to envy, 
and to occupy. — C. L. Peirson. 



TABLE OF AGGREGATES. 

(Taken, in the main, from Higginson's "Massachusetts 
in the Army and Navy, 1861 — '65.") 







"d 




- 










V 


"oJ 











6 M 


5« 

^ o 


ii 




•0 

V 

i 






ii 


s 


Q 



<: 





S 


F. &S. 














Officers 


12 


2 










Enlisted Men 


13 












Co. A 




• . . . 










Officers 


4 










.... 


Enlisted Men 


130 


"5 


"16 


" "4 


'"'2 




Co. B 














Officers 


3 


1 










Enlisted Men 


142 


5 


' 11 


"'7 


'3 


"3 


Co. C 














Officers 


5 












Enlisted Men 


133 


"V 


"16 


"'7 


"i 


'■'2 


Co. D 














Officers 


4 












EnUsted Men 


137 


"4 


"16 


"14 


"'2 




Co. E 














Officers 


5 










.... 


Enlisted Men 


140 


"'6 


"is 


'6 


"'3 




Co.F 














Officers 


5 


1 










Enlisted Men 


132 


6 


"e 


"'3 


"3 




Co. G 














Officers 


3 












Enlisted Men 


129 


'"4 


' 11" 


"8 


'9 




Co. H 














Officers 


5 


.... 


.... 


.... 




.... 


Enlisted Men 


131 


9 


5 


11 


'"5 


3 


Co. I 














Officers 


4 


.... 


.... 






.... 


Enlisted Men 


144 


7 


7 


"14 


"6 




Co.K 














Officers 


5 


1 








.... 


Enlisted Men 


128 


8 


"ii 


"9 


""2 


1 


Unassigned 














recruits 


21 








2 





1436 66 102 83 32 12 

For the sake of those who may observe that, in the several companies, there 
were more commissioned officers than are numbered in the foregoing list, it 
should be stated that the same officer frequently served in more than one 
company, by transferral or temporary assignment. The list has the same 
officer's name only once. 



INDEX 

The following index is intended to contain the name of 
every man, in any way connected with the Regiment; those of 
others encountered during the nearly three years of service; 
also the events and incidents of individual as well as common 
experience. Titles in small capitals indicate heads of the 
several divisions of the history and, in enumerating regiments 
from the different states, full faced type represents the num- 
ber of the organization, other the page. 



A Backward Move 110 

Abbot, Emil N. L 256 

Abbott, J. B 390 

Abbreviations 331 

Adams, F. D 342 

Adams, Geo. E 354 

Adams, Geo. F 403 

Adams, J. Q 15 

Adams, Joseph 251, 415 

Adams, J. C 437 

Age Data 331 

Ahearn, Thos 379 

Aittain, Sam'l 342 

Alden, A. M 379 

Alden, H. A 379 

Alden, Wm. F 367 

Alexander, E. K 437 

Alexander, Wm 403 

Alexander, Surg 144 

Alexandria 31, 157 

Allen, Col. I., Jr 168 

Allen, J. M 390 

Allen, Lewis 12 

Allen, Wm. L 437 

"All Fools' Day" 64, 156 

Allison, Jos., Jr 173, 334 

Alsop's Farm 180, 187 

Alley, C. Q 367 

Amelia Ct. House 288 

Ames, John 343 



Amsden, J. A 390 

Ammunition Getting 190 

Anderson, Gen'l. R. H., 163, 178, 
187, 210 

Andersonville 112, 319 

Andrews, Geo. A 354 

Andrews, Tim., Jr 343 

Andrew, John A., 7, 8, 9, 10, 25, 231 

Annapolis 299 

Anniversary 100 

Anthony, Sylvanus 403 

Antietam 36, 37, 84, 86, 87 

Applejack 266 

Apples from Woburn 58 

Appomattox Ct. H 290, 291 

Arlington 32, 294 

Armstrong, J. L 379 

Army & Navy Journal 242 

Army Corps Rearranged 153 

Army Correspondents sent off 215 

Arnold, E. L 354 

Arnold, Wm. Jr., 354 

Arris, Herbert 426 

Aqueduct Bridge 35 

At The F'ront 83 

Austin, C. B 403 

Avery, Michael 450 

Ayers, Gen'l. R. B 290 

Babb, Mark 437 

Babbitt, C. E 403 



468 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Babbitt, F. S 403 

Babbitt, G. H., Jr 403 

Backup, J. B 354 

Bacon, J. W 21 

Bacon, Jon 437 

Bacon, Jonas 450 

Badger, Ezra 380 

Badger, Geo. H 343 

Baggage Wagons get up 213 

Bailey, C. C 415 

Bailey, C.T 380 

Bailey, J. W 415 

Baker, Fred'k 245, 426 

Baker, Wm. A 390 

Balcom, Oscar 438 

Baldwin, John 367 

Baldwin, M. B 450 

Ballou, Chas. H 367 

Ball's Bluff 9, 37 

Baltimore 28, 30 

Bancroft, Maj. A 324 

Bancroft, Albert 450 

Bancroft, Geo. W., Jr 343 

Bangs, Wm. W 438 

Banks, Gen'l. N. P. . . . 47, 151, 324 

Bannon, Jas 415 

Barbarity of Men 103 

Barber, Rev. Mr 12 

Barden, J. P 223, 343 

Barker, A. H 426 

Barker, Geo. A 379, 380 

Barker, G. W 426 

Barker, O. A. 324, 337, 340, 366(2), 

403 

Barker, Wm. S 367 

Barnard, D. A 367 

Barnard, Henry 343 

Barnes, C. H..' 403,438 

Barnes' Story, Corp. C. H., 

319-322 

Barnes, W. L 403 

Barrett, A. P.. . .4, 5, 324, 325, 450 

Barrett, W. 1 426 

Barrett, W. T 450 



Barnum, G. D 404 

Barney, Hor 415 

Barrows, Geo. L 404 

Barry, Benj 380 

Barry, P. H 380 

Bartlett, A. D 354 

Bartlett, Gen'l. J. J 290 

Bartlett, J. L 354 

Bartlett, W. H 390 

Bartoll, Wm. H 426 

Barton Square 247 

Bass Point 325, 329 

Batchelder, Benj. A 343 

Batcheller, H. M 354 

Batcheller preaches 58 

Bate, W. H 463 

Bates, C. E 415 

Bates, H. W 367 

Battle Losses 268 

Bates, Loren 415 

Baxter, Geo. M 367 

Baxter, Thos., Jr 380 

Beal, Jesse N 438 

Beals, Wm. H 438 

Bealton Station 93, 114, 125 

Bean, Geo. W 112,390 

Bean. Thos 343 

Beard, A. W 324 

Beck, J. S., 4, 5, 152, 166, 195, 209, 
230, 240, 325, 367 

Becker, Ferd 380 

Beirne, Jas 368 

Belcher, John 343 

Belding, C. H 390 

Bell, Major 96 

Bell, Jas. H 354 

Bcllficld 266 

"Bell Hats" 89, 94 

Belling, J. D 55, 154 

Bcmis, W. S 343 

Bennett, A. B 355 

Bennett, H. M 355 

Benz, August 390 

Berlin 88 



Index 



469 



Bergeson, Jas 426 

Bertwhistle, J. F 380 

Bessom, E. A 343 

Betagh, Jas 404 

Bethesda Church 209 

Betts, C. R 355 

Bigelow, Chief Jus 15 

Bigelow, CO 438 

Big Muddy Branch 35 

Bird, Joel E 427 

Bird, John 415 

BilHngs, E. W 426 

Bills, Walter M 355 

Birney's Corps, D. B 42, 168 

Bispham, J. D 438 

Blackberries 90, 91 

Blacks and Whites 293 

Blaisdell, J. 343 

Blake, Dan. P 355 

Blanchard, B. P 427 

Blanchard, W. F 427, 463 

Blanchard, Wm. H 368 

Blanding, D. W 415 

Blauvelt, Jas 344 

Bledden, T. G 390 

Blenker, J. J 438 

"Bloody Angle" 195 

Bloomer, Jos. N 344 

Boardman, Alf 404 

Bodge, Geo. A 390 

Bodge, Geo. W 390 

Bolton, J. T 391 

Boodry, Geo. J 344 

Booker, Geo. D 368 

Boonsboro 84 

Bond, Dudley 368 

Borden, C. P 404 

Boston 19 

Boston Herald 225 

Boston Journal 27 

Bottom's Bridge 215 

Bouldry, W. W 427 

Bounty, State 25 

Bounty-jumper Shot 108, 109 



Boutwell, Asa 450 

Bowen, E. J 427 

Bowen, S. C 368 

Bowker, E. H 344 

Boxes from Home. . . 102, 134, 135 

Boxford 18, 24 

Boxford to Washington 26 

Boyden. S. A 438 

Boydton Plank Road 261, 280 

Boynton, Wm. F 391 

Brace, Dr 58 

Brackett, W. P 380 

Braddock, Wm 404 

Bradley, Lieut 141 

Bradley. G. C 391 

Bradley, T. H 450 

Bradshaw, Elb 427 

Bradshaw, Zeb 326, 427 

Braithvvaik, Thos 438 

Brandy Station 104 

Brandy Station 124 

Brannagan, John 450 

Bread, Fresh 64 

Breathed's Battery 184 

Breck, E. F 416 

Brennan, Jas 344 

Brett, Chas. G 344 

Brewster, C. W 404 

Brigade Organized 44 

Briggs, A. M 355 

Briggs, B. M 368 

Briggs, Col. H. S., 82, 83, 84, 94, 95, 

96 

Briggs, Preserved 404 

Brigham, A. M 438 

Brigham, E. H., 21, 22, 319, 323, 

436 

Bright, Wm 416 

Bristoe Station 113, 115, 116 

Brizzee, Lorenzo 404 

Broad Run 121 

Brock Road 163, 179 

Broderick, Jas 416 

Bronsdon, F. H 427 



470 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Brookings, A. W 438 

Brooks, A. F 416 

Brooks, Wm 438 

Brophy, John 380 

Brown, Alvin G 450 

Brown, C. H. C 416 

Brown, Edwin 489 

Brown, George 355 

Brown, Geo 427 

Brown, F. P 344 

Brown, Jas 391 

Brown, John 82, 84 

Brown, Sam'l 380 

Brown, Wm. H 22, 437(2) 

Brown, W. P., 3; at Hatcher's Run 
273; 450 

Brotchie, Jas 391 

Brummitt, J. M 439 

Brun, John 404 

Brunei, Jos 427 

Br>'ant, F. M 451 

Bryant, R. L 355 

Bucknam 391 

Buford, Gen'l John 103, 111 

Buhl, Peter 463 

Bullard, Asahel 380 

Bull Run 12, 117 

Bullens, C. A 439 

Bullens, L. S 439 

Burk, Walter 380 

Burke, Carl 355 

Burke, Chris 427 

Burkeville 289, 293 

Burnham, Dan 344 

Burnham, Eli H 344 

Burnham, Geo. S 344 

Burnham, Geo. W 344 

Burnham, J. H 187, 344 

Burnham, Wilbur 344 

Bunker, Benj., Jr 368 

Burns, Major 329 

Burns, Jas 355 

Burns, Wm. H 381 

Burnside, Gen'l A. E., 163, 167, 



193, 236 

Burt, H. A 404 

Bush, Chas 451 

Busha, Stephen 368 

Bushnell, Chas 381 

Butler, Gen'l. B. F 143, 219 

Butler, Benj. F 344 

Butler, Asst. Surg., J. F 338 

Butler, Moses 451 

Butterfield, C. B 439 

Butterfield, J. C 439 

Butters, W. R 416 

Byrnes, John 391 

Cady, David 451 

Caldwell, C. F 368 

Camp Davis 54 

Camp E. M. Stanton, 11, 12, 23, 25 

Camp Grover 48 

Camp Nordquist 109 

Campaign of Maneuvers. ... 113 

"Campaigning with Grant". . . 283 

Camp-vim Ill 

Campbell, Allen 381 

Canal Break 44 

Canfield, J. B 391 

Cannon, Captured 171 

Cannon Sent Back 201 

Canteens of Whiskey 234 

Capitol 30 

Captives Come Back 207 

Carhart, J. B 439 

Carhart, Henry 439 

Carleton, Wm 355 

Carlin, T. B 416 

Carney, John 404 

Carpenter, A. D 451 

Carr, Bernard 427 

Carr, R. S 368 

Carr, Wm. M 391 

Carr, Jas. C 439 

Carroll, John 428 

Carter, C. L 391 

Carter, Calvin 428 

Cartczc, Geo 381 



Index 



471 



Casey, Silas 31 

Cassidy, John 356 

Caswell, Porter 439 

Catoctin Creek 88 

Cattle Cars 29 

Cattle Raided 258 

Cattle Stampede 169 

Catlett's Station 115, 122 

Cavalry Active 158 

Cavalry Raid Down Weldon R. R., 
265 

Cedar Mt 151 

Cedar Run 151, 158 

Centreville 116 

Chaffin, J. W 368 

Chain Bridge March 73, 78 

Chamberlain, D. 439 

Chamberlain, Gen'l. J. L., 278, 291 

Chamberlain, Maj. S. E 75 

Chambersburg 41 

Champlin, G. H 368 

Champney, L. C 391 

Chancellorsville 77 

Change to Artillery 109, 110 

Channel, J. F 345 

Chapel Dedicated, New. . 144, 147 

Chapin, C. H 356 

Chaplain Preaches 59 

Chaplain Rejoins Reg't 88 

Chapman, C. H 5, 20, 339, 414 

Chapman, T. B 416 

Charles City Ct. H 218 

Charlotteville 151 

Chase, A. J 428 

Chase, John 451 

Chase, S. C 439 

Chase, T. H 416 

Chase, Wm 428 

Chattanooga 129 

Cheatham, J. B 381 

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal 37 

Cheeney, Wm 368 

Cheney, G. W 225 

Chenery, G. W 368 



Chessboard of War 114 

Chickahominy 212 

Child, Henry 416 

Chllds, E.J 428 

Childs, F. J 428 

Childs, Geo 18, 25, 405 

Childs, J. F 356 

"Chimneys, The" 258 

Chipman, A. A 416 

Chipman, Asst. Surg., J. L. . . . 338 

Choate, E. H 439 

Choate, Edward 22 

Choate, W. M 451 

Christian, J. B 381 

Christmas, '62, 54; '63, 135; '64, 268 

Chubbuck, Eleazer 416 

Church-bell 55 

Churchill, G. A 369 

Churchill, Jas. T 416 

Churchill, Thad 381 

"City of New York" 27 

City Point 235, 247, 271 

City Point Explosion 239 

Claffey, John 428 

Clapp, C. W 417 

Clapp, Geo. L 369 

Clapp, M. 369 

Clark, G. A 392 

Clark, Wm. H 428 

Clarke, T. C 339, 354, 356, 389 

Clemmens, Jas 392 

Cleverly, Geo. F 381 

Clifford, J. A 345 

Clothing Allowance 100 

Clough, Wm. H 439 

Clumsy Christians 247 

Cochran, Matt 405 

Cochrane, Geo 417 

Coffin, P. G 381 

Colbath, C. E 439 

Colbath, Geo. A 440 

Colburn, Wm. E 381 

Cold Nights 133 

Cole, C. G 392 



472 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Cole, Chas. H 405 

Coles, A. W 392 

Colby, F. E 451 

Colby, N. G 451 

Cold Harbor 209 

Cold Harbor Assault 212 

Cole, A. M 440 

Cole, Geo. W 345 

Coleman, Perry 15, 145, 366 

Colgate, C. H 452 

Collett, Herbert 392 

Collier, Geo. W 381 

Collins, J.J 369 

Collins, Michael 381 

Collins, Pat 428 

Collins, Wm 440 

Colored Troops 240 

Colors, Regimental 252 

Combs, E. N 428 

Company A 12 

B 13, 37, 173 

C, 14, 26, 37, 59, 91, 130, 

132, 139 
D 15, 37 

E, 16,25,26,86, 112, 130, 
159 

F. .. . 17, 25, 39, 59, 132 

G 19, 37, 95 

H 20, 142. 206 

1 21,48 

K, 22, 25, 26, 37, 43, 49, 

60, 139, 142 

Conant, Edward 345 

Conant, Sher 440 

Conn. C. K., prison item, 317; 324, 

339, 414, 426, 452 
Conn. Troops, 1st H. Arty. . . . 257 

Connell, John 417 

Conner, Thos 392 

Connolly, Hugh 48, 452 

Conrad's P'erry 37, 40, 41, 55 

"Construction Corps" 51 

Converse, C. S 324 

Conway, Pat 405 



Cook, Thos 440 

Cooledge, Chas. H 369 

Cooley, Jas 463 

Cooley, Michael 463 

Cooper, J. J.. . . 17, 18, 281, 324, 401 

Cooper, Newell 440 

Cooper, Thos 440 

Cooper Refreshment Rooms. . . 28 

Corcoran, Geo 428 

"Corporal, The Little" 267 

Corporal's Prank, The 74 

Corrigan, Thos 417 

Corthell, John 417 

Cotter, E. A 405 

Cotter, John 381 

Cottrell, Jeff. J 187, 345 

Cottrell, J. W 345 

Coughlin, Owen 369 

Coulter, Gen'l Rich. . 174, 202, 259 

Cowan, Thos 417 

Cowper, John 381 

Crafts, Wm. G 356 

Craig, C. H 429 

Cramptons Gap 88 

Crane, J. P 324 

Crane, J. T 429 

Crane, Seth 381 

"Crater" 224, 236 

Crawford, Gen'l S. W. . 153, 195 
213, 255, 260 

Creedon, John 392 

Crockett, E. F 369 

Creswell, John 417 

Critcherson, Jos 440 

Cronan, Dan 356 

Cronan, Jerc 452 

Crooker, Lucius 405 

Crosby, Elk 392 

Crowley, Dan 392 

Cub Run 117 

Culpeper Court House, 96, 104, 151, 

155 
Culpeper Mine Ford.. 128,129,155 
• Cummings, J. A 405 



Index 



473 



Cummings, Hon. John 325 

Cunningham, E. B 345 

Cunningham, Martin 356 

Curran, Edw 440 

Curran, John 345 

Currell, H. G 369 

Currier, C. P 440 

Currier, Jos 440 

Curry, Rob't 452 

Curtin, Gov. And 245 

Gushing, H. H 369 

Gushing, J. M 369 

Curtis, Albert 382 

Curtis, Henry 382 

Curtis, J. M 145, 356 

Custer, Gen'I 151, 288 

Cutler, Gen'I L 195, 199 

Cutter, B. P 369 

Gutter, Geo 392 

Dabney's Mills 272 

Dahlgren, Col 150 

Dailey, E. W 392 

Dailey, John 356 

Dailey, Michael 429 

Daily Schedule 103 

Dakin, Abel F 440 

Daley, Dan 382 

Daley, Garrett 382 

Daly, James 356 

Damon, A. J 417 

Damon, C. E 429 

Damon, Edw., Jr 382 

Dana, D. E 429 

Danbenmayer, C 417 

Daniels, G. N 405 

Daniels, R. S 13 

Danville 293 

Darling, E. B 345 

Darnstown 66 

Darksville 41 

Darren, Geo. W 382 

Davis, Amos F 392 

Davis, Chas. A 441 

Da\as, Chas. E 214 



Davis, E. S 356 

Davis, F. E 441 

Davis, G. C 356 

Davis, Isaac 9 

Davis, Jeff 237 

Davis, Jeff., at Church 287 

Davis, John 429 

Davis, Gen'I J. R 163 

Davis, Col. P. S., 25, 26, 29, 38, 43, 
47, 48, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 
66, 70, 89, 95, 96, 98, 100, 109, 
112, 134, 137, 144, 145, 146, 
147, 149, 152, 156, 157, 182, 
194, 201, 221, 225; death of, 
229, 232, 234, 270; sketch of 
life, 333 

Davis, Rob't 149 

Davis's Wife Comes, Col 61 

Dawsonville 66 

Day, J. D 417 

Day, John 405 

Dean, A. J 405 

Dean, E. C 369 

Dean, E. L 405 

Dean, Geo. W 452 

Dean, Jos. G 452 

Dean, Josh. H 452 

Dean, S. D 345 

Dean, Wm. E 40S 

Dean, W. F 417 

Deatonville 289 

Deep Bottom 240 

DeForrest, S. D 382 

Delany, J. M 417 

Delphin, Jas., Jr 405 

Dennett, Geo. H 340, 452 

Dennett, R. M 452 

Dentistry 239 

Depot of Supplies 93 

Derby, Aldcn 382 

Derry, B. B 382 

Deserters Hung 101 

Devens, Chas 9 

Devines, D. S 356 



474 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Dickens, Chas 164 

Dickerman, C. C 382 

Digner, Rich 356 

Digs His Own Grave 245 

Dimond, John 429 

Dinwiddie Co. Ct. H., 220, 272, 282 

Dodge, Albert H 392 

Dodge, H. A 345 

Dodge, J. P 345 

Dodge, W. G 417 

Dodge, Wm. H 392 

Doherty, Peter 453 

Doherty, PhiUp 453 

Doherty, Wm 406 

Donley, Jas 382 

Doody, John 429 

Dooner, John 382 

Doorley, Jas 453 

Dorchester 20 

Dow, Albert F 369 

Dow, Benj. H 130, 214 

" rides horseback. . . . 234, 370 

Downer's Landing 322 

Downing, Jon. P 453 

Doyle, Pat 357 

Doyle, Thos 382 

Doyle, Wm. A 345 

Draper, C. W 357 

Dress Coats Sent Away 152 

Dress Parade, First in Dixie, 33, 92 

Drew, C. F 441 

Drill, Excellent 70 

Driscoll, Chas 429 

Drown, Sam'l H 453 

Drury, Chas. A 382 

Dudley, Chas 357 

Duffy, Patrick 453 

Dunbar, Rob't 406 

Dunn, Anton 383 

Dunn, Chas 429 

Durgin, Jon 383 

Dushuttle, H. L 370 

Dusseault, J. H., 4, 117, 125, 169, 

188, 189, 193, 210, 216, 229, 



232, 234, 244, 248, 329, 392, 426 

Dutch Reb. Lieut 300 

Dutton, D. F 441 

Duty on the Potomac 53 

Dyer, Chas. E 370 

Dyer, Jon. C 392 

Dyer, L. R 346 

Dyer, S. D 357 

Fames' Story, Sergt. J. H., 296- 

299; 323, 325, 370 

Earle, Anthon}^ 453 

Earle, Wm. H 417 

Early, Jubal A., 126, 132, 210, 228 

Eaton, Cyrus A 453 

Eaton, Parker 453 

Echibach, Louis 441 

Eckenroth, C. H 441 

Edgecomb, Noah 453 

Edlefson, C. F 393 

Edmands, Thos 357 

Edward's Ferry 37, 53 

Egyptian Darkness 199 

Eighteenth Corps 209 

Eischman, John 346 

Ela, E. P. C 383 

Eldridge, Prince, Jr 346 

Elktown 123 

Eleventh Army Corps Goes West, 

105 

Elliot, A. L 418 

Elliot, G. A 418 

Ellicott's Mills 30 

Elliott's Salient 236 

Ellis, Benj. J 370 

Ellis, C.J 429 

Ellis, D. W 346 

Ellis, H. C 370 

Elms, CO 408 

Elwell, D. R 416 

Ely's Ford 150, 160 

Emerson, Sam'l 393 

Emmetsburg 41 

Endicott, LB 441 

Engine on City Point R. R.. . . 258 



Index 



475 



Enswingcr, John 406 

Ernest, Anet 357 

Esip, Francis 441 

Euderle, Jos. L 383 

Evans, Wm 441 

Evans, Wm. S 346 

Evans' Brigade 291 

Ewell, Gen'l R. S.. . . 126, 163, 210 

"Eyes & Ears" 184 

F. F. V.'s 90, 103 

"Fagged Out Men" 199 

Fairbanks, A. H 453 

Fairchild, W. C 393 

Falling \\'aters 86 

Fannon, John 346 

Farmville 293 

Farnham, Col. A. B 324 

Farrar, G. A 222, 393 

Farren, Jas 429 

Farrington, D. S 429 

Fast Day, '63, '64 156, 238 

Fauquier Co 92 

Fay, E. P 21 

Fay, Walter 393 

February 29 150 

Felch, H. F., 5, 145, 341, 389(2), 

402, 441 

Felch, IraH 441 

Felch, Wm. F 441 

Felker, S. 393 

Fellows, C. C 393 

Fence-Rail Raid 46 

Fence- Rails Used 43 

Ferguson, John 429 

Ferrero, Gen'l Edw 240 

Field, Wm 346 

Field and Staff 333 

Fifth Army Corps, 88, 101, 124, 

160; at Five Forks, 283; in 

pursuit, 287 

"Fight It Out On This Line,". . 195 

Findell, Adolphus 406 

Fineran, Pat 383 

Fink, John 429 



Finn, J. W., drowns 48; 441 

Finn, Michael 454 

Fire in the Wilderness 176 

First Anniversary 102 

First Army Corps, 94, 104, 110, 113, 
115, 123 

First Mail 201 

Fish, H. F 346 

Fish, I. H 430 

Fisher, A. J 357 

Fisher, R. H 430 

Fishing for Discharge 60 

Fisk, Marion E 370 

Fiske, John E 442 

Fitcham, C. E 393 

Fitzgerald, Jas 464 

Fitzgerald, Mat 418 

Fitz, Thos. D 430 

Fitzgerald, Wm 418 

Five Forks 280, 283 

Fizzell, Jas 357 

Flag Presentation 26 

Flanagan, Anthony 357 

Fletcher, J. M 370 

Fletcher, T. M 370 

Flinsky, Leon 393 

Flint, Jas. F 346 

Fhnt, Thos. W 454 

Flood, Thos 393 

Flynn, D. B 346 

Flynn, John 454 

Fobes, J. H 430 

Fogg, G. L 48, 442 

Fogg, Jos 346 

Foley, Michael 442 

Follin, John 430 

Food, Prices of 99 

"Foot Cavalry" 265 

Foraging 38 

Forbes, J. E 383 

Ford. C. E. H 418 

Fort Albany 32, 294 

Fort Canahey 261 

Fort Davis, 234, 238, 240, 262 



476 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Fort Duchesne 256 

Fort Fisher 258 

Fort Gaines 67 

Forts Hell and Damnation, 224, 

232, 262 

Fort Howard 269 

Fort McGilvery 223 

Fort McRea 260 

Fort Mahone 224, 240 

Fort Reno 67 

Fort Sedgwick. . 224, 234, 240, 260 

Fort Steadman 223, 275, 276 

Fort Stevens 228 

Fort Tillinghast 33 

Fort Warren 228 

Fort Wadsworth 269 

Forts About Washington 34 

Foster, Henry 346 

Foster, Irving 454 

Foster, Jacob 418 

Fowle, Geo. E., 5, Tells Story of 

Weldon R. R., 250; 324, 454 

Fowler, T. W 383 

Fox, Terrance L 370 

Fox's Book 203 

Frahm, Louis 357 

Frederick, B. B 357 

Frederic Junction 81 

Fredericksburg Pike 200 

Fredericksburg (battle) 52, 72 

Freeman, C. F 442 

Freeman, J. C 383 

Freeman, W. H 347 

Freeman's Bridge 265 

French, B. W 418 

French, C. E 418 

French, Chap. E. B., 64; 144, 146, 

232, 238, 338 

French, Geo. L 430 

French, Sergt. H. C., shot, 300; 418 

French, J. T 383 

French, Gcn'l W. H 113, 127 

Fretchie, Barbara 81 

Fuller, John E 393 



Funkstown 85 

Gage, Geo. W 371 

Gainesville 121 

Gallagher, Edw 358 

Garnett, siezed 152 

Gammon, R. T 430 

Garfield, Jos. W 454 

Garfield, Wm. H 442 

Gardner, E. P. 323, 436 

Gardner, Geo. D 418 

Garrigan, John 454 

Garvere, Pat 383 

Gaston, Wm 13 

Gavin, Pat. H 383 

Gay, Abram S 406 

Gay, Geo. W 406 

Gen'l and His Pills ... 233 

Georgetown College 67 

Geouggenheimer, S 430 

Germanna Ford 127, 160 

Gerrish, Tim 430 

Gettysburg 41, 77 

Gibbs, J. K 149, 347 

Gifi^ord, C. E 383 

Gilbert, H. E 371 

Gilcrease, E. H 394 

Gilcreast, John 454 

Giles, J. J 17, 389 

Gill, A. L. B 371 

Gillard, Thos. H 371 

Gilligan, J. R 454 

Girls in Keystone State 28 

Give and Take 261 

Gleason, Albert 454 

Gleason, Edw 371 

Gline, David 430 

Glines, A. R 418 

Glines, Col. Edw 5, 329 

Glines, Fred. A., 5, 239; dies 303)394 
Glines' Diary, Corp. F. A., 299- 
303 

"Go In" 237 

Goodhue, L. K 394 

Goodhue, M. C 430 



Index 



477 



"Good Marnin', Kunnel!". ... 63 

Goodwin, Chas. M 347 

Goodwin, Thos 418 

Goose Creek 91 

Gordon's (J. B.), Corps 292 

Gordon, H. F 358 

Gordon, O. S 371 

Gordon, T 17 

Gorham, David 394 

Gormen, Michael 418 

"Go to Blazes" 247 

Gould, Chas 347 

Gould, J. F 383 

Gould, Wm. A 347 

Gourley, Sam'l 442 

Graham, W. F. C 394 

Graham, W. W. . . 14, 173, 323, 353 

Grand Review 294 

Graff, Fred'k 371 

Grant, Edw. L 394 

Grant, Fred 155 

Grant, Gen'I, 80, 153, 155, 160, 
190, 214, 215, 227, 237, 240, 
261; gets medal, 275; word to 
Lincoln, 287; letter to Lee, 290 

Gravelly Run 278, 279 

Graves, Austin 371 

Gray, Dexter 245, 394 

"Great Eastern" 28 

Great Falls 48 

Greeley's American Conflict. . . 168 

Green, J. T. B 442 

Green, J. W 358 

Gregg, Gen'I . . . 103, 257, 259, 265 
Griffin, Gen'I Chas.. . 170, 199, 290 

Griffins, Geo. W . 464 

Griffin, Jon. F 442 

Grimmons, Hon. C. A 329 

Groton 27 

Grove Church 124 

Grover, Cuvier 44, 47 

Grover, H. C 406 

Grover, J. 430 

Groves, Geo. D 383 



Grumbling 112 

Guerrillas 91 

Guilford, J. 347 

Guiney Lt. Col 15 

Gunning, John 358 

Guppy, Geo. F 347 

Gurley House 277 

Gushee, S. M 406 

Hadley, E. B 394 

Hafford, John 394 

Hagan, Pat 394 

Hale, E. M 394 

Haley, Jas. T 371 

Hall, Benj. J 406 

Hall, Benning, Jr 21,442 

Hall, Eben A 57, 407 

Hall, Daniel 406 

Hall, R. W 57, 188,403 

Hall, Geo. W 407 

Hall, Maj. Isaac, Tells of Hatcher's 

Run 272 

Hall, Sam'l 418 

Hall's Hill 42 

Halleck, Gen'I H. W 80, 293 

Ham, H. A 358 

Ham, H. W 418 

Hamilton 90 

Hamford, Wm 407 

Hammond, C. F 443 

Hampton, Sam'l 347 

Hampton, Wade 41 

Hampton's Legion 42 

Hancock, Henry 443 

Hancock, Gen'I W. S 168 

Hanley, J. H 395 

Hanson, C. W., 339, 347, 366, 

389(2), 426 

Hanson, F. K 419 

Hanson, H. C 383 

Harburn, W. M 395 

Harding, Wm 371 

Harlow, G. R 395 

Hardy, Isaac 13 

Hardy, Simon 443 



478 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Harper's Ferry 81, 84, 88 

Harris, A. B 407 

Harris, Otis S 455 

Harris, S. B 224, 430 

Harris Farm 203 

Harrington, John 384 

Harrison's Island 37, 42 

Hart, Michael 371 

Hartshorn, E. B 371 

Harvey, Hosp. Stew., F 340 

Harvey, J. A 323, 325 

Harvey, Wm. F 407 

Hassam, F. F 20 

Haskell, A. S 347 

Haskell, C. F 371 

Haskell, W.J 395 

Hatch, E. B 372 

Hatch, Geo. C 419 

Hatch, Geo. H 395 

Hatch, Grafton 419 

Hathaway, H. R 372 

Hathaway, J. A 407 

Hathaway, N. F 372 

Hathaway, R. C 372 

Hatcher's Run 261, 272, 274 

Havre de Grace 29 

Hayden, J. W 384 

Hayden, Josiah, Jr 384 

Hayden, Wm 384 

Hayden, Z. M 419 

Haymarket 120, 121 

Haynes, A. S 419 

Hayes, E. P 419 

Hayes, Daniel 443 

Haynes, J. P 384 

Hays, Alex., Killed 166 

Hayward, Paul 443 

Hazelton, B. L 384 

Hazelton, Warren 443 

Healey, S. C 431 

Heat and Cold 99 

Heath, A. J 372 

Hebard, H. J. A 347 

Hegner, A. P 347 



Heidenway, D 52, 358 

Heinzelman, Gen'l 44, 80 

Hemmenway, E. 455 

"Helter-skelter" March 123 

Henderson, O. F 431 

Henr>^ A. R 347 

Henry, Daniel 145, 358 

Henry, Michael 431 

Hersey, Alfred 419 

Hersey, Geo. L 419 

Hersey, Geo. W 384 

Hersey, H. D 464 

Hepworth, Geo. H 147 

Hervey, J. A 372 

Heth, Gen'l. H 163 

Hewett, J. G 407 

Hicks, Wm. L 358 

Higgins, Jesse 53, 57 

Hill, B., Jr 22 

Hill, Daniel G 431 

Hill, Gen'l A. P 126, 163, 210 

Hill, GilmanL 431 

Hill, Geo. A 395 

Hill, J. M 419 

Hill, John, Jr 384 

Hill, Joseph 431 

Hilton, Com. Sergt. L. W 340 

Hilton, Wm. L 348 

Hingham 19 

Hixon, Sergt. L. W 229 

Hobbs. J. J 384 

Hodges, Col 14 

Hoey, Michael 443 

Hoey, Thos 443 

Holbrook, F. W. D 372 

Holbrook, S. P 358 

Holliday House 281 

Holloway, I. N 407 

Holmes, Geo 431 

Holmes, R. T 431 

Homeward Bound 295 

Hooker, Gen'l 72, 79, 153 

Hooker's Question 42 

Hooper, S. T 455 



Index 



479 



Horgan, Cornelius 384 

Horgan, P. D 395 

Horion, H. B 407 

Horton, J.E., 5, 238; dies, 306; 395 
Horton's Diary, Corp. J. E., 303- 

306 

Rosea, I. F. R 15, 366, 389 

Hoskins, Edw 455 

Hoskins, Wm. H 455 

Hospital Erected 143 

Hospital Train 183 

Houghton, E. J 455 

House-building, 1864 139 

Howard, E. F 358 

Howard, Henry 455 

Howard, Gen'l O. 105 

Howard, W. L 395 

"How Are You, Boxford?". . . 55 

" How Are You, Rosey? " 108 

Howe, Henry 112 

Howland, B. L 408 

Howley, Thos 384 

Hoyt, M. C 372 

Hubbell, J. P 372 

Huggins, A. H 358 

Hughes, Jas 384 

Humphreys, Gen'l 238, 244 

Hunt, C. N 21,425 

Hunter, Gen'l D 228 

Hunt, Sylvester 431 

Hunter, Jas 358 

Hunter, R. L 358 

Hunter, Rob't 187 

Hunting, Willard 348 

Huntress, Elijah 384 

Huntress, T. H 384 

Hutchins, John, 15, 99, 112, 323, 

365 

Hutchins, S. M 456 

Hutchins, S. \V 419 

Hutter, John 395 

Hyatt, Jas 464 

Hyattstown 41 

Hyde, J. R 112 



Hyde, R.J 395 

Hyde, T. L 396 

Hyland, Albert 419 

Illumination 294 

Ingcrson, Nat'l 456 

Ingraham, Col. T 24 

In Rebel Prisons 296 

In the Beginning 7 

In Virginia 89 

Ireland, Edwin 198, 372 

Ireland, H. A 198, 372 

Jackson, "Stonewall" 82, 151 

Jackson, Wm. H 419 

Jacobs, Wm. H 419 

Jacob's Mills 127 

Jarratts Station 266 

Jeffers, Geo. W 464 

Jefferson, Thos 82, 151 

Jenkins, Albert 431 

Jenkins, Gen'l M 171 

Jennings, J. E 443 

Jennison, C. W 443 

Jepson, S. G 373 

Jericho Ford 205 

Jersey City 28 

Jerusalem Plank Road.. 231, 232, 
265, 267 

Jetersville 289 

Jewett, Col. A. B., 57; his commis- 
sion, 65 

Jewett, J. G 408 

"John Brown Fort" 82 

Johnson, Chas. H 456 

Johnson, David 431 

Johnson, Geo 348 

Johnson, John 372 

Johnson, Mort 396 

Johnson, Wm 432 

Johnson, Mayor 325 

Johnson's Corps, Col. Ed 196 

Johnston, "Joe" 171, 274 

Johnston's Surrender 293 

Joining Potomac Army 80 

Jones, Asa L 348 



480 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Jones, Geo. W 420 

Jones, C. G 396 

Jones, Chas. S 420 

Jones, Daniel L 431 

Jones, Col. E. F 24, 25 

Jones, Gen'I J. M 171 

Jones, Llewellyn 431 

Jones, Nathan 443 

Jones, Obadiah 373 

Jones, Wm 359 

Jones, Wm. H 408 

Jones, Wm. H 456 

Jordan, F. H 464 

Jordan, J. F 396 

Jordan, T. W. D 432 

Joyce, Alfred 373 

Joyce, H. S 373 

Joyce, S. W 91, 373 

Joyce, Winslow 373 

July 4th, '63, 79; '64, 227 

Kane, D. S 408 

Kanily, Daniel 384 

Kearney, Phil 42 

Keedysville 87 

Keep, Wm. J 385 

Kellar, Bait 408 

Kelley, John 359 

Kelley, Thos 432 

Kelly, Edward 359 

Kelly, Jas 385 

Kelly, John 385 

Kelly, T. P 396 

Kelly, Thos 464 

Kelly, Wm 408 

Kelly, Wm. B 408 

Kelly's Ford, 112, 113, 124, 129, 133 

Kemp, N. S 443 

Kendrick, C. C 373 

Kendrick, David 396 

Kendrick, E. T 373 

Kenneston, E. F 396 

Keniston, Wm. H 432 

Kennedy, John 420 

Kennedy, John 396 



Kenyon, Major 60 

Kerr, John 432 

Kettle Run 121 

Kilby St 247 

Killduff, Jas 359 

Killed and Wounded 264, 274 

Kilpatrick, Gen'I 103 

Kilpatrick's Raid 150 

Kimball, C. W 432 

Kimball, E. F 432 

King, A. F 443 

King, Edw 408 

Kingsbury, C. G 385 

Kingsbury, C. H 456 

Kimmings, F. M 396 

Kinsley, F. R., 17, 145, 159, 231, 

254, 262 ; sketch of life, 337 ; 389 
Kinsley, W. C., 17, 145, 146, 189, 

220, 245; wounded, 281; comes 

back, 293:389,425,449 

KiUridge, J. N 385 

Kling, Caspar 464 

Knapp, C. P 348 

Knapp, Geo. L 408 

Knapp, L. S 408 

"Knapsack Drill" 59 

Knapsacks from Arlington, 39; from 

Funkstown, 100 

Kraetzer, J. F 348 

Ladd, Lieut 26 

Ladd, Edward 396 

Lady in Camp 142 

Landers, Dan 432 

Land of Desolation 205 

Landgreve, Geo 359 

Landrum House 199 

Lane, H. A 409 

Lane, Gen'I J. H 163 

Lange, Jas 373 

Langley, S. A 432 

Lapurve, Alfred 456 

Laurel Hill 191-193 

Lawler, J. A 409 

Lawless, Maurice 420 



Index 



481 



Lawrence Light Guard 14 

Lawrence, Gen'l S. C 15, 330 

Leach, E. C 420 

Leach, R. M 359 

Laahy, Jeremiah 409 

Leavitt, Maj. A. D., 117, 118, 137 
198 

Leavitt, C. F 385 

Leavitt, H. W 420 

LeBarron, D. J 443 

LeBarron, W. H 456 

Ledwith, John 359 

Lee, Edward 348 

Lee, Fitz Hugh 41 

Lee, Rob't E., 32, 84, 113; letter to 
wife, 119; 210, 237; would in- 
terview Grant, 275; surrender, 
291 

Lee House, R. E 239 

Leesburg Pike 37 

Leighton, H. B 145, 146, 340 

Lendall, S. N 420 

Leonard, H. F 409 

Leonard, Col. S. H., 122, 129, 136, 
144, 151, 170 

Leonard, W. E 409 

Leroy, Chas 420 

Leslie, Albert S 456 

Leslie, J. F., 43, 116; ruse, 318; 
324, 456 

Leslie's Ruse, J. F 318 

Levins, Morris 396 

Lewis, E. H 5, 359 

Lewis, Jas 420 

Lewis, Jos 373 

Lewis, Diary, Corp. E. H., 306- 
308 

Libby, Jas. C 456 

Libbey Prison 293 

"Libeller of the Press" 215 

Licking Run 125 

Life in Camp 23 

LiUey, R. G 444 

Lincoln, B. C 420 



Lincoln, Dan 409 

Lincoln, Pres., 7, 70, 77, 96, 237, 

270; reviews Fifth Corps, 277; 

enters Petersburg, 288; killed, 

293 

Lincoln, Col. W. S 76 

Lines, Daniel 149, 432 

Ligontown Ferry 289 

Linscott, A. R 324, 457 

Linscott, C. F 457 

Linscott, G. W 457 

Litchfield, O. V 373 

Littlefield, G. H 444 

Littlefield, H. B 385 

Livermore, L. D 348 

Livingston, Rob't 373 

Locke, John F., 53, 118, 148, 325, 

329, 396 
Locke's Recollections, J. F., 308- 

317 
Lockwood, Gen'l H. H.. . 209, 213 

Loker, Jas. D 359 

Lombard, J. P 457 

Long, John D 324 

Long Bridge 31 

Long Bridge on the James, 213, 216 
Longstreet to the West, 103; 163, 

166, 172 

Loring, A. A 432 

Loring, A. M 432 

Lothrop, A. A 432 

Lovett, Wash 112, 397 

Loyalty in Poolesville 56 

Lunt, Theo. H 385 

Luzarder, J. M 385 

Luzarder, Moses 385 

Lyle, Col. Peter, 94, 96, 100, 168, 

170, 213, 215, 217, 255, 263 

Lyman, Col. Theo 178, 193 

Lynch, John 444 

Lynnfield 11, 13, 24, 326, 329 

McArthur, Peter 349 

Macaulay 164 

McAuliffe, Sam'l 444 



482 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



McCaffrey, Jas 444 

McCann, John 420 

Macarty, E. H 359 

McCarthy, Eugene 432 

McCarthey, John 385 

McCarthy, John 397 

McCarthy, John 457 

McCarthy, Thos 457 

McClearance, Ant 409 

McCoy, Col. T. F., 156, 201, 232, 

255 

McCoy, F. R 256 

McCoy's Ford 41 

McDermott, B. E 373 

McDevitt, Wm 366(2), 457 

McDonald of "B," 187 

McDonald, Geo 359 

McDonald, Geo. F 397 

McDonald, John 360 

McDowell, Gen'l 151, 153 

McFarland, S. G 409 

McFarland, Wm 433 

McFeeley, Sam., with the colors, 

252; 457 

McGaken, R. T 433 

McGee, Jas 374 

McGlone, Michael 385 

McGoff , Jas 458 

McGuire, John 458 

McGurdy, Alex 397 

Mcjunkin, Sam'l 397 

McKenna, Wm 458 

McKenzie, Alfred 12 

Mackenzie, Dan 360 

McLain, C. W 444 

McLaughlin, Lieut 16 

McLaughlin, M 374 

McLean, Wilmer 291 

McNall, Geo ■ 397 

McNamara, B 374 

McNaughton, M 420 

McNeil, Wm. C 360 

McNulty, Thos 360 

McPherson, J. J 360 



McQuade, John 397 

Madison, Ct. House 151 

Mahall, John 374 

Mahan, Pat 385 

Mahone, Jas 385 

Mahone, Gen'l Wm. . . 163, 236, 253 

Mahony, Tim 458 

Mail arrival 39, 43 

Mail-wagon stopped 66 

Maine Troops, 1 H. Arty., 203, 221, 

226 
16 Reg't, 33, 94, 96, 108, 117, 137, 
155, 158, 175, 195, 238, 248, 
251, 270; 23, 44,47, 53 

Makell, Chas 433 

Makpeace, N. G 409 

Maltese Cross 246 

Manassas Gap R. R 120 

Manchester 293 

Mangohick Church 208 

Mann, F. E 48. 444 

Manning, J. A 374 

Mansfield, W. 349 

Marran, Thos 458 

Marsden, Jos 385 

Marsh, W. W 444 

Marshall, J. P 239 

Marteau, Ludovic 349 

Martindale, Barracks 68 

Martindale, John H 68, 80 

Martinsburg 41 

Marty, Jacob 433 

Maryland 29 

Maryland Farms 38 

Mason, Thos 458 

Mason, Wm. W 409 

Masonic Lodge, 144, 146, 152, 234 

Masonic Lodge 145 

Mass. Troops, 1, 218; 2, 43; 4, 19; 
5, 14, 17; 8, 82, 83, 89, 94; 12, 
94, 122, 183, 224, 230; 13, 32, 
210, 233; 15,36; 18, 24; 19,36; 
20, 36; 34, 76, 79, 81, 83; 35, 
24; 37, 87; 38, 24; 48, 82, 83, 



Index 



483 



89; 51, 82, 83, 88; 9 Batt., 
233; 10 Batt., 55, 124, 205; 11 
Batt. 75; 1st H. A. 202-3 

Matrimonial prank 225 

Maxfield, Hiram 325 

Maxwell, John 239, 349 

Maxwell, J. H 433 

May Day, '65 158, 293 

Mead, Alf 444 

Mead, J. A 458 

Meade, Gen'l Geo. C, 85, 100, 113, 
126, 127, 159, 167, 278, 293 

Meade, J. K 112 

Mears, R. E 349 

Mears, Sam'l, Jr 349 

Medford 14,324,329 

Meeting House Hill 20 

Melton, J. L 360 

Melville, Gardens 322 

Mentzell, Herman 349 

Mentzer, M. H 5, 186,349 

Mentzer, Wm. A., 5, 185, 187, 252, 
279, at Five Forks, 286; 349 

Merrifield, J. A 339, 349, 402 

Merrifield, Jos. A.. . . 353, 354, 379 

Merrill, Franklin 444 

Merrill, Steph 444 

Merritt. B. F 374 

Merrett, J. H 397 

Merritt, J. S 397 

Messenger, C. W 445 

Meston, P. D 374 

Metzger, Mr 56 

Michigan Cav., 6th, appears. . . 60 

Middleburg 90 

Miles, E. P 349 

Miller, Chas. H 386 

Miller, Geo. L 386,420 

Miller, H. F 421 

Millett, G. C 433 

Millett. J. H 433 

Millikcn, Jas 349 

Milner, T. K 360 

Mills, Clark 68 



Mills, Edwin. . . 323, 339, 342, 397 

Mills, J. R 445 

Minard, N. C 421 

Mine Explosion 236, 238 

Mine Run 126 

Mitchell, Edw., Jr 409 

Mitchell, F. A 360 

Mitchell, Ass't Surg., H. H.. . . 338 
Mitchell, I. H., 5, 182, 279, 349. 350 
Mitchell, Nathan, dies. . . 35: 409 

Mitchell, S. H 194, 230, 350 

Mitchell, T. O. H 374 

Mitchell's Station 135 

Mitchell's Station 136 

Mohan, T. P 360 

Monahan, Mich 445 

Monk, G. W 5, 433 

Monk, Rob't 5, 433 

Monocacy 41 

Monroe, C. E 409 

Monroe, Jas 360 

Monticello 151 

Moore, C. H 445 

Moore, H. B 22 

Moore, R. C 458 

Moore, Sidney 360 

Moran, Jas 397 

Moran, Pat 386 

Mordo, J. A 421 

Morgan, E. D 8 

Morgan, John 360 

Moriarty, John 386 

Morey, Raphael 445 

Morrill, D. W 458 

Morse, B. G 350 

Morse, Curtis 445 

Morse, D. F 350 

Morse, Hen. M 445 

Morse, Hon B 445 

Morrison, C. H 48,445 

Morrison, J. H 433 

Morrison, I. T 374 

Morrison, S. H 386 

Morristown 123 



484 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Morton, Wm. S 15 

Morton's Ford 110, 127 

Moses, Geo. F 14, 360 

Mott, Gen'l G 258 

Moulton, G. W 445 

Moulton, H. W 13, 337 

Moulton, O. H 445 

Moulton, Wm. J 350 

Morrill, R. W 445 

Moving again 43 

Moynihan, John 386 

Muddy Branch 44 

MuUberry trees 221 

Mullen, Patrick 350 

Mulligan, H. C 5 

Mulligan, Simon. . .5, 22, 323, 436 

Murdock, Geo 421 

Murphy, Jas 350 

Murphy, Jas 445 

Murphy, Thos 360 

Murphy, Thos 421 

Murray, Geo. H 386 

Murray, Geo 464 

Murray, Hugh 458 

Murray, M. A 386 

Murray, Pat 361 

Murray, Syl 458 

Murray, Thos 397 

Murray, Thos 433 

Musket and Shovel 164 

Myers, Geo 398 

Myers, Wm 350 

Namozine 288 

Nantasket 325, 329 

Nashville Victory 268 

Natick 21, 323, 325, 328,329 

National Fast 72 

Naylor, A. C 410 

Neal, J. S 421 

Neerwindcn 164 

Nelson, Goo. S. 13, 145, 254, 262, 
340 

Nelson, John 386 

Nelson, Wm 410 



Newcomb, Capt 15 

Newcomb, H. A 386 

Newcomb, H. G. 386 

Newcomb, I. T 386 

Newcomb, Levi 421 

Newell, J. H 398 

N. E. Relief 295 

Newhall, F. E 48, 445 

New Market 41 

Newton, B. S 433 

Newton, Gen'l John, 83, 86, 127, 

142, 153, 154 
New Hampshire Troops, 14, 44, 47, 

48, 53, 58, 62, 65, 71, 75, 79 

New Jersey, Through 28, 295 

New York Troops, 9, 201, 262; 83, 

214; 94, 94, 96, 121; 97, 252; 

104,94, 96, 156, 238; 111,262; 

141, 198; 169, 68; 2d, 3d, 7th 

H. Art, 203. 

Nichols, John 16 

Nichols, W. G 350 

Nichols, W. L 410 

Nightingale, Fred'k 386 

Nightingale, Sam'l 386 

Ninth Corps, 167, 169, 193, 206, 236 

Noble, J. A 361 

Nolan, Patrick 361 

NoN-CoMMissioNED Staff . . . 339 

Norris, W. F 458 

North Anna River 204 

Northey, G. A 398 

Northey, W. H 374 

Norton, F. F 434 

Nottaway River 261, 265 

Nutc, Jos 361 

Nutting, Albion 350 

Ny River 199 

Oak cut down by bullets 196 

Oakley, Frank 464 

O'Brien Dan 398 

O'Brien, Dennis 446 

O'Brien, Thos 398 

O'Brien, Tim 386 



Index 



485 



O'Brien, Wm 459 

O'Connor, Cornelius 446, 459 

O'Donald, Edw 459 

O'Donald, Owen 459 

O'Hara, Pat 421 

O'Neil, Henry 398 

O'Riley, John 459 

O'SuUivan, John 398 

O'Sullivan, Thos 421 

Odiorne, Wm 398 

Offutt, Mr . 49 

Offutt's Cross Roads 47 

O. & A. R. R 93, 95, 104,135 

Oliver, F.J 112, 398 

Oliver, J. W 112, 325,398 

On the March 34 

Orange Court House 128, 162 

Ord, John 421 

Ord, Gen'l E. O. C 283, 291 

"Order Arms!" 70 

Order of Corps at Cold Harbor 211 

Order No. 26 10 

Ordway, L. E 350 

Osborn, A. W 374 

Osborne, Dr. Geo 12 

Osborne, Paul 350 

Otta, Antone 398 

Packard, S. C 350 

Packer, States 410 

Page, Surg. C. G.,. ... 99, 144, 338 

Page, C. S 434 

Page, T. N., 113; Lee's Army, 138; 
237 

Paine, J. T 398 

Paineville 289 

Palmer, W. D 398 

Palmer, Wm 434 

Pamunkey River 208 

Paoli'sFord 129 

Park, J. C 13 

Parker, J. L 324 

Parker, T. M 459 

Parker, Thco. M 459 

Parkhurst, M. C 353, 399 



Parlin, Wm. D 446 

Parks, Chas. T 459 

Parks, Peter, Jr 459 

Parrott, Albert 387 

Parsons, J. G 421 

Parrott, L. H 387 

Patterson, Jas 434 

Patterson, J. R 351 

Paul, I. D 18, 57, 122,402 

Paull, D. S 410 

Paull, T. W 410 

Pay, Advance 26 

Paymaster Comes, 60, 71, 75, 96, 
104, 125, 152 

Peabody, Town of 340 

Peace Commission 270 

Pearson, C. E 410 

Peck, Geo. E 387 

Peck, Gen'l J. J 69 

Peebles' Farm 259 

Pegram's Salient 236 

Peirson, Gen'l C. L., 3, 4, 36, 47, 
63, 85, 96, 99, 101, 106 108, 
131, 132, 137; orders church 
torn down, 140; 147, 148, 
149, 170, 171, 174, 178; 
account of May 8, 180-2; 
183, 184, 186, 187, 189, 
192, 193, 194; comes back, 214; 
229, 234; wounded, 245; tells 
his story, 246; 254, 323, 324, 
325, 329; sketch of life, 334- 
335: 465 

Penniman, J. M 421 

Pennsylvania Troops, 90, 94, 106, 
109, 156, 168, 170, 255, 263; 
107, 94, 99, 156, 201, 232, 238, 
239, 255; 48, 236 

Pcrcival, G. P 387 

Perkins, B. C 12 

Perkins, C. H 354 

Perkins, C. H 387 

Perkins, H. S 361 

Perkins, J. H 351 



486 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Perkins, Jon 361 

Perkins, Thos 446 

Perry, G. W 399 

Perry, J. J 21 

Perry, O. H 434 

Perry, S. N 387 

Perryville 29 

Persimmons 118 

Persons, H. J 459 

Person's Promotion, Oscar, 62; 379 
459 

Petten, D. M 446 

Petersburg 145, 216 

Petersburg 219 

Petersburg Express 256 

Phelps, John 434 

Philadelphia 28 

Phillips, A. W 399 

Phillips, Chas. A 460 

Phillips, C. B 22 

Phillips, D. M 410 

Picket Duty 38 

Picket on the Rapidan 106 

Pickets Captured 112 

Pierce, C. A 410 

Pierce, Maj. E. C 210 

Pierce, Eli 387 

Pierce, John, Jr 351 

Pierce, Wm. L. G 434 

Pierson, J. M 446 

Pike, J. F 421 

Pingree, C. C 421 

Pinkham, H. W 399 

Pleasants, Col. H 236 

Plummer, N. F., Jr 351 

Plympton, Wm. P 361 

Point Shirley 325 

Pollard, Geo. F 460 

Pomeroy, Alonzo 422 

Pony Mt 161 

Poole, C. N 422 

Poole, F 12 

Poole, R. F 42, 460 

Poolesville 36, 41, 51, 52, 143 



Poore, John D 12 

Pope, Gen'l 151 

Poplar Springs Church 259 

Porter, Chas. H., 3, 15, 16, 162, 211, 
212, 223; tells of Weldon R. R., 
248-50; 253, 278; Five Forks, 
285;322,324, 325, 341,379 

Porter, Gen'l Horace 283 

Porter, Whitcomb 15 

Port Walthall 219 

"Position of a Soldier" 187 

Potomac River 35, 41 

Potomac Crossed 31 

Potter, John F 253 

Powell, David 351 

Powell, Gen'l Wm. H.... 289,292 

Powers, M. 399 

Powers, Robert 399 

Pratt, J. H 374 

Presbr}', Capt 17 

Prescott, B. F 230, 434 

Preston, John 434 

Prince Edward Ct. House 289, 290 

Prisoners Recaptured 188 

Prospect Hill 17 

Prospect Station 290 

Prouty, B. W 422 

Prouty, Elijah 422 

Prouty, Isaac 422 

Prouty, J. H 5, 19, 422 

Prouty, J. L 374 

Prouty, Wm., Jr 422 

Providence 295 

Pr^'or, Roger A 253 

Pullen, Gilbert 45, 136 

Pullcn, Sumner 45, 136 

Purcell, Geo. J 351 

Purington, W. E 351 

Putnam, Chas 374 

Putnam, Israel 17 

Pyne, Fred'k 361 

Quarlos' Mills 207 

Quimby, I. B 410 

Quincy 15, 324, 325, 328, 329 



Index 



487 



Quincy, Josiah 15 

Ragan, Michael 416 

Rainy March, A 65 

Ramsdell, E. W 375 

Ramsdell, J. F 324,460 

Rand, Wm. L 410 

Randall, Geo. W 399 

Rapidan 160 

R.\piDAN, The 106 

Rappahannock River 97, 129 

Rappahannock Station. ... 95, 124 

Rations Arrive 218 

Ream's Station 242, 258 

Reaney, Pat 361 

Rebel Deserters 63, 157, 239 

Reb. Fords Potomac 39 

Rebel Raiders 51 

Rebels Fed 292 

Reddy, Geo. H 460 

Redman, W. S. C 375 

Reed, J. D., 18, 379, 402, 436, 437 

Reed, M. D 468 

Reed, Nathan 446 

Regor, H. B 460 

Regimental Roster 330 

Regimental Veteran Associa- 
tion, 322-330 

Rendezvous, Points of 10 

Return from Appomattox 292 

Reunions, Regimental .... 322-330 

Revere Beach 329 

Reynolds, Gen'l 153 

Reynolds, Geo 446 

Reynolds, M 351 

Reynolds, W. H 410 

Rhodes, Rob't 20, 425 

Rice, Gov. Alex. H 324 

Rice, Gcn'l J. C 192 

Rice's Station 289 

Rich, Giles H 361 

Richards, E. D 434 

Richards, Henry 399 

Richards, John 434 

Richardson, A. H 460 



Richardson, A. L 324, 460 

Richardson, C. A 375 

Richardson, F 375 

Richardson, F. S 194,351 

Richardson, H. C 399 

Richardson, J.I 23, 25, 449 

Richardson, M. 351 

Richardson, W. R 361 

Richardson, Sam'l, Jr 460 

Richmond, 208; on fire, 287; 293 

Ricker, O. P 361,437 

Riley, Jas 410 

Riley, John 399 

Roach, Maurice 387 

Roberts, J. S 399 

Roberts, J. W 375 

Roberts, M. F 5, 182,375 

Robertson, B.H 41 

Robertson's Tavern 128, 130 

Robic, J. E 434 

Robinson, A. J 362 

Robinson, Gcn'l J. C., 83, 102, 105, 
109, 141, 143, 153, 157, 168, 
186, 195, 276, 324 

Robinson, J. R 362 

Rocket, Jas 410 

Rockville 66 

Rodgers, H. C 387 

Rogers, Chas 460 

Rogers, E. S 410 

Rogers, Wm. H 376 

Rohcrsvillc 87 

Roland, Miles 461 

Roland, Richard 362 

Rollins, S. P 48, 399 

Rosemere, Conrad 362 

Rouse, S. N 434 

Routine in Camp 65 

Rowanty Creek 261, 279 

Roxbury 13, 325, 328, 329 

Roy, John 351 

Russell, Edw 362 

Russell, Geo. A 387 

Rugg, Geo. J 376 



488 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Rus&ell, G. S 434 

Russ, Geo. W 387 

Russell, H. H 422 

Russell, Levi 446 

Russell, Nat 411 

Ryder, Alvah 351 

Sailor's Creek 289 

St. Mary's Church 217 

St. Patrick's Day 152 

"Salient " 195 

Salisbury 150 

Salisbury Prison, Co. A, B, C, 296; 

D, E, F, G, H, 297; I, K, 298; 

Samson, A. A 376 

Sanborn, Orin 461 

Sanborn, W. H 422 

Sandy Hook 81 

Sargent, Geo 387 

Sargent, W. H 376 

Saunders, Abraham 362 

Saunders, C. R. P 351 

Savil, S. 434 

Savill, Geo. W 387 

Sawin, G. L 22 

Sawyer, Aug. T 461 

Sawyer, Geo 464 

"Say, You Yank," 234 

Schaff, Gen'l Morris, 161, 162, 170, 

177 

Schafifer, Henry 362 

Schoen, Fred 351 

School in Camp 146 

School of the Soldier 39 

Schroeffel, Phil 362 

Schwartz, Jacob 351 

Scituate 19 

Scott, Chas 461 

Scott, P. F 362 

Scott's 900 51, 53, 57, 58, 71 

Searles, Loring 461 

Seaver, Jas. E 5 

Seavcrns, H. A 434, 449 

Second Army Corps, 103, 113, 123, 

127, 160 



Sedgwick, Gen'l John, 85, 127, 151; 

death of, 189. 

Sell, Jas. T 446 

Seneca Landing 43 

Seneca Mills 36 

Senter, J. H 376 

Seward, Wm. H 270 

Sham-battle 58 

Shavlin, Hugh 387 

Shaw, Geo. W 411 

Shaw, Henry 400 

Shaw, John B 400 

Shaw, P. J 422 

Shaw, Thos. T 400 

Shaw, Wm. G 461 

Shav/, Zenas 352 

Shea, P. E 362 

Shean, Pat 435 

Shedd, A. A 362 

Shedd, Geo. V 362 

Sheehan, J. H 461 

Sheehan, Jerry 387 

Sheehan, Tim 461 

Sheen, J. H 461 

Sheen, Wm. G., 16, 379 (2), 414, 437 

Shenandoah 41, 82 

Shenandoah Valley 237 

Sherburne, B. F 411 

Sheridan, J. A 376 

Sheridan, Gen'l, 158, 177, 275, 278, 

283 

Sherman, C. F 422 

Shoes, Private's 95 

Short, T. G ; . . . . 422 

Shot in the head 245 

Shoulder-Scales 72 

Shrewsbury, Battle of 164 

Sibley Tents arrive 33, 43 

Sickles, Dan. E 80 

Signor, W. H 435 

Silver, Man 461 

Silver Springs 325 

Simonds, Geo. N 352 

Simonds or Simons, Wm 388 



Index 



489 



Simons, Thos 422 

Simpson, J. H 377 

Six Mile House 243 

Sixteenth Maine and the Thirty- 
ninth, 271 
Sixth Army Corps, 87, 113, 124, 127, 
150, 160, 189; leaves Army of 
Potomac, 228; 289. 

Skeele, M. B 423 

Skehan, John 400 

Skinner, F. C 411 

Skinner, Geo. F 362 

Skinner, J. B 423 

Slattery, Edw 388 

Slaughter Mt 151 

Sleeper, J. H 63 

Sleeper's Battery 55, 61, 124 

Slocum, Gen'l H. VV 105 

Sloper, C. W 446 

Small, Adj. A. R 197, 270 

Small, Thos. E 352 

Smalley, Henry 352 

Smith, A. H 400 

Smith, Abial E 447 

Smith, Addison 400 

Smith, CD 352 

Smith, Chas. H 363 

Smith, E. H. C 411 

Smith, F. M 481 

Smith, Geo 352 

Smith, Geo. T 411 

Smith, Jas 411 

Smith, H. R 363 

Smith, H. W 435 

Smith, Nath'l 352 

Smith, Peter 363 

Smith, R. C 435 

Smith, S. N 400 

Smith, S. V 423 

Smith, Sid., Jr 363 

Smith, Gen'l W. F 209 

Smith, VV. M 400 

Smith, VVm. S 377 

Snow, C. H 411 



Snow, E. M 352 

Snow-fall, First 46 

Snow-storm, Heavj', 59, 61, 63, 64, 

153 

Socrates 26 

"Soft Bread" 122 

Somerby, Frank 363 

SomerviUe 16,324,325,329 

Song, Exchange of 109 

Sons of Temperance 71, 74, 76 

So. Danvers 12,13,340 

So. Shore 19 

Southside, R. R 260, 289, 293 

Southworth, Dal 435 

Southworth, W. B 377 

Spaulding, C. A 423 

Spear, E. A. F 423 

Spear, E. A 15, 16, 378 

Spear, W. T. G. 14, 145, 146, 173, 

353 

Spellam, Den 363 

Spencer, R. J 352 

"Spoiling for a Fight" 277 

Spokesfield, Ferd 462 

Spooner, L. A 230, 447 

Spontroz, Aug 462 

Sproal. A. H 411 

Spottswood, Alex 162 

Spottsylvania 162, 196 

Spottsylvania 178, 200 

Sprague, Geo. A 462 

Sprague, Thos 423 

Staggles, Wm. E 462 

Stall. J. M 411 

Stanley, F. A 435 

Stanton, E. M 277 

Staples, H. A 462 

Staples, B. F 411 

Stearns, N. D 447 

Stebbins. T. S 423 

Stcdman, C. H 447 

Stephins, Alex. H 270 

Stephenson, John 19 

Stephenson, Luther 19 



490 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Stepper, Jos., Jr 363 

Stetson, Warren 423 

Stevens, C. E 363 

Stevens, Elb 352 

Stevens, L. S 447 

Stevens, Leslie 400 

Stevens, S. M 377 

Stevensburg 112 

Stevenson, Gen'l T. G 193 

Stewart, Sam'l 447 

Stewart, Sylvanus 447 

Stickney, H. C 400 

Still in Camp 150 

Stockwell, A. G 423 

Storm, Severest 93 

Stone, A. C 435 

Stone, F. C 447 

Stone, H. D 425 

Stoneman, Gen'l 41 

Story, Asa 352 

Stowers, Wm. C 462 

Straight's Tunnel 156 

Strickland, Wm 363 

Stringfellow, Dr. J. H 106 

Strong, Edw. A 363 

Stuart, Hosp. Stew., Geo. A., 340 

Stuart, k., J. E. B 183 

Stuart, Thos 363 

Stuart's Cavalry, 36. 40, 49, 78, 103 

Stuart's Raid 41 

Sturtevant, H. B 363 

Styner, Sam'l 447 

Suffolk, Va 69 

Sullivan, Dan 411 

Sullivan, D. 364 

Sullivan, Thos 364 

Sullivan, Thos 447 

Sumner, E. V 40 

Sumner, F. H 435 

Sumner, W. S 435 

Summers, Geo. M 352 

"Sunny South " 159 

Sussex Ct. House 266 

Sutler, Regimental 45, 105, 136, 240 



Sutton, Eben 13 

Swain, E. A 364 

Swain, J. M 14, 145, 353 

Swan, Chas 364 

"Swapping" with Rebs 106 

Sweat, C. W 364 

Sweet, John 388 

Sweetland, B. E 435 

Swinton, Wm 113, 191, 203 

Sword to Gen'l Meade 100 

Sylvester, J. Q. A 423 

Symmes, Alf 364 

Tabor, N. Z 462 

Taft, I. D 364 

Taunton 17, 18, 324 

Taylor, Geo. C 447 

Taylor, Geo. W 411 

Taylor, Marcus 388 

Tennallytown 35, 67 

Terry, Gen'l 219 

Terry, A. P 411 

Tevlin, Mich 464 

Thanksgiving Day, '62, 49, 50; '63, 

126; '64, 262 

Thanksgiving for Co. C 140-1 

Thayer, E. S 412 

Thayer, H. F 412 

Thayer, J. J. H 388 

Thayer, N. W 423 

Third Army Corps, 113, 123, 124, 

127 

Thomas, Alph 423, 449 

Thomas, Chas 412 

Thomas, Chas. S 412 

Thomas, Erasmus 388 

Thomas, G. N. B 435 

Thomas, O. C 424 

Thomas, W. H 400 

Thomas, W. 424 

Thompson, Abijah, 5, 251, 323, 324, 

325, 329, 462 

Thompson's Story, 62 

Thompson, C. W 20,414 

Thompson, Edw 377 



Index 



491 



Thompson, F. W 400 

Thompson, Jas 377 

Thorndike, Surg. Wm. . . . 144, 338 

Thoroughfare Gap 119, 121 

Tidd, L. R. 23, 25, 252, 323, 324, 

449(2) 

Tighe, Terrance 412 

Tilden, Col. C. W 155, 324 

Tileston, Eben 435 

Tileston, Lem 435 

Tinkham, Herb 412 

Tisdale, C. H 424 

Tisdale, S. L 412 

Titus, Geo. L 412 

Todd, Capt 70 

Todd's Tavern, 177, 178. 179, 183 

Toombs, E. L 435 

Torrey, F.J 424 

Totopotomy 210 

Towards the James River 215 
Towards Winter Quarters. 133 

Townsend, P. J 412 

Transports, "General Howard," 

"Geo. Weems, "218 

Trask, C. H 377 

Trask, Geo. W 388 

Travis, F. E 447 

Travis, I. N 447 

Tremlett, Lt. Col. H. M., 36, 93, 99, 

231, 245, 254; wounded, 281; 

dies, 295; sketch of life 336 

Trull, E.J 20,95,414 

Tucker, Aaron 377 

Tufts, Aug 377 

Tulley, I.J 377 

Turner, Chas 364 

Turner, Geo 412 

Turner, S. H 377 

Twelfth Army Corps goes West, 105 

Tyler, S. C 448 

Tyler, H. H 377 

Tyrcc, J. C 364 

Tyrcll, Geo. H 448 

Uirich, Lewis 400 



Upham, J. H 20 

"Up Hill and Down" 84 

Upton, Gen'l E 171, 192 

Vacation Idyl, A 326-329 

Vaeight, Wm 377 

Van Cliff. J. S 401 

\^an de Sands, Geo 401 

Van Winkle, H. M 424 

Varnum, Geo 352 

Vaughn Road 257 

Vegetable Rations 227 

Veit, Frcd'k 435 

Vermont Troops, 10, 35, 44, 47, 48, 
51, 53, 57 

Vickery, J. F 377 

Vicksburg 80 

Voight, Wm 378 

Wadsworth, Chas 364 

Wadsworth, Gen'l J. S. . . 49, 168 

Wagon Trains 115 

Waite, Silas 462 

Waitt's Branch 35 

Walford, Thos 435 

Wall, Richard 464 

Walker, Benj 378 

W^alker, Gen'l F. A., 101, 179, 227, 
258 

\^'alker, Lewis M 463 

Walker, Wm. A 378 

Wallace, J. Wm 448 

Walker, Henry 15 

Walsh, Harold 412 

Walsh, Michael 388 

Walsh, Wm 412 

Ware, H. A 388 

Wares, Frank 436 

Warren, B. F 463 

Warren, D. S 424 

Warren, Geo 364 

Warren, Gen'l G. K., 117, 131, 165, 
167, 177, 195, 196, 205, 216, 
222, 227, 232, 233, 254, 265, 
282; sketch of life, 285; super- 
seded, 286; 322, 323, 324, 325 



492 



Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 



Warrenton 92, 113 

Warrenton Junction. . . 92, 94, 114 

Warren, S. P. S 448 

Warren, Wm. P 463 

Washburn, E. B 275 

Washburn, Emory, Jr 341 

Washburn, Otis 412 

Washburn, R. M 448 

Washburn, Salmon, Jr 412 

Washington 31, 68 

Washington Artillery 235 

Washington's Birthday 61 

Washington's Slave 45 

Water Scarce 108 

Waterford 89 

Waters, Clark 412 

Watts, Geo. H 388 

Wayland, H. P 378 

Weaver, P. Lyle 264 

Webb, Lemuel 378 

Webster, C. C 413 

Webster, H. K 401 

Webster, I. L 448 

Webster, S. D 424 

Weitzel, Gen'l Godfrey, 283; enters 

Richmond, 288 

Welch, A. W 424 

Welch, Chas 378 

Weldon R. R., 231, 240-255; losses, 

254 

Wellman, John H 388 

Wentworth, A. P 401 

Wentworth, G. W 448 

Wescott, A. A 413 

West, Francis 463 

West, John 448 

Weston, C. B 424 

"Westward Ho!" 257 

"What's Up, Sentry?". ..... . 77 

Wheat Harvest 88 

Wheeler, C. E 413 

Wheeler, F. J 436 

Wheeler, Geo 364 

Wheeler, W. M 448 



Wheelock, Col. Chas 252 

Whiley, Jas 436 

"Whip, Hoe and Sword" 147 

Whipple, Gen'l A. W 73 

Whipponock 288 

Whiskey Raid 57 

Whiskey Smuggled 49 

Whitcomb, Geo. F 352 

White, A. R 413 

White, B. S 41 

White, Gen'l Daniel 252 

White, Edw. E 337 

White, Geo. W 424 

White, J. C 424 

White, Wm. H 365 

White Frost 114 

White House 209 

White Oak Road 280, 281 

White Oak Swamp 216 

White Plains 91 

White Sulphur Springs 113 

White's Guerrillas, Capt 48 

Whiting, F. T 424 

Whiting, Geo. W 424 

Whiting, T. D 425 

Whiting, W. B 353 

Whitman, H. B 365 

Whitmore, J. W 401 

Whitmore, Jos 112 

Whitney, C. F 50,448 

Whitney, John 448 

Whitney, Jophanus 378 

Whitney, L. 1 413 

Whittaker, Chan., 4, 146, 172, 182, 
185, 364 

Whittaker, J. L 378 

Whitters, Edw 413 

Whittier, John G 81 

Whittier, Leavitt 436 

"Why Couldn't We Sleep?".. . 134 

Wilborg, Wm 365 

Wilcox, Gen'l CM 163 

Wilcox's Wharf 218 

Wilcutt, W. C 401 



Index 



493 



Wilder, Albert 425 

Wilder, M. P 21 

Wilderness, The 161 

Wilderness, Battle of, by C. \V., 
172-176 

Wilderness Tavern 161 

Wiley, Geo. H 13, 342 

Wiley, Sam'l 353 

Willett, Geo. A 388 

Williams, C. H 448 

Williams, Henry 365 

Williams, John 378 

Williams, John 388 

Williams, John 401 

Williams, John 464 

Williams, R. B. P 413 

Williams, Rob't 21, 425 

Williams, Wm 388 

Williamsport 88 

Wilmington 29 

Wilson, Geo. W 413 

Wilson, Col. Henry 21, 22, 70 

Wilson, Jas 463 

Wilson, John 378 

Wilson, John 425 

Wilson, O. A 463 

Wilson, Col. Rob't 59 

Wilson, T. A 365 

Wilton, Geo. T 401 

Winch, Leonard 21 

Winchester, Battle of 259 

Winter Quarters 137 

Winters, T, B 365 

Woburn. . 22, 49, 323, 324, 325, 329 



Wofford, Gcn'l W^ T 163 

Wolfe, Adam 463 

Wood, David 413 

Wood, Jas 365 

Wood, Jesse 413 

Wood, John M 329 

Wood, Thos 388 

Woodbury, W. H 425 

Woodward, Caleb 448 

Woodward, E. G 401 

Woodward, E. M 413 

Woodward, Geo. T 413 

Woodward, H. C 448 

Woodward, Prin. Muse. Matt., 

340, 413 

Woodward, R. P 413 

\\'omen Leave Camp 152 

Worcester 27 

Wright, Carroll D 71 

Wright, Gen'l H. G., 199; sends 

word to Grant, 287 

Wright, Lewis 449 

Wright, Rob't 401 

Wright, Theo. S 436 

Wyer, E. F 5 

Wyman, Geo 435 

Wyman, L. F., 23, 25, 62, 220, 342, 

425, 449 

Young, C. E 425 

Young, Miss H. M 26 

Young, Wm. J 389 

Yellow House 256, 258, 259 

Zeigle, Col. T. A 255 

Zindel, Adolph 464 



iiiinnM 



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